Graphene, a material known for its exceptional properties, has revealed a new quantum state that could revolutionize computing. Researchers found a peculiar topological electronic crystal in twisted graphene layers, where electrons freeze into a perfectly ordered pattern.
The discovery highlights a unique way to arrange electrons in graphene, allowing electric current to flow smoothly along the edges of the material while the interior remains non-conductive. This property is due to the electrons’ synchronized spinning motion, which is unlike anything seen before.
Topology plays a crucial role in this phenomenon. A material exhibiting topology can remain unaffected by external factors, demonstrating robust quantum behavior. The topological electronic crystal found in graphene exhibits stability even with small defects or impurities, making it a rare and valuable discovery.
To create the crystal, researchers stacked two thin layers of graphene on top of each other and rotated one slightly, resulting in a moiré pattern. When electrons moved through this twisted structure, their behavior changed dramatically. The material acted like an insulator inside, but electricity flowed effortlessly along the edges due to the electrons’ synchronized motion.
This discovery could pave the way for highly efficient electronic devices and fault-tolerant quantum computing applications. The study, published in the journal Nature, sheds new light on graphene’s properties and opens up exciting possibilities for future research.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/never-seen-quantum-state-discovered-091058004.html