Researchers at Rice University have demonstrated a powerful form of quantum interference between phonons, the vibrations in a material’s structure that constitute the tiniest units of heat or sound. This breakthrough paves the way for phonon-based technologies that could power high-precision sensors and advance fields like quantum computing.
In a new study published in Science Advances, researchers used a two-dimensional metal on top of a silicon carbide base to induce strong interference between phonons. The team found that this phenomenon, known as Fano resonance, was two orders of magnitude greater than any previously reported.
The study’s findings are significant because they show that phonons can be harnessed as effectively as light or electrons, making them promising for stable and high-performance devices. By studying the shape of the signal in Raman spectroscopy, a technique that measures the vibrational modes of a material, the researchers revealed a sharply asymmetric line shape characteristic of intense interference.
The effect is highly sensitive to the surface properties of silicon carbide, allowing it to detect the presence of single molecules. The study also explored the possibility of using other 2D metals and fine-tuning their chemical composition to design custom interfaces with tailored quantum properties.
This breakthrough has exciting implications for energy harvesting, thermal management, and quantum technologies, where controlling vibrations is key. By harnessing phonon-based interference, researchers could develop new devices that offer high sensitivity without the need for special labels or complicated setup.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-08-powerful-quantum-paves-phonon-based.html