Physicists at MIT have made a breakthrough in understanding how tiny particles called electrons behave in different materials. Led by Riccardo Comin, the research team used a technique called angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to visualize the shape of an electron while it moves through a solid.
For decades, scientists have struggled to crack the mystery of electrons, which act like both waves and particles. They don’t always follow the usual rules of physics and exhibit unpredictable patterns. To map out these wave patterns, researchers turned to ARPES, which blasts electrons with light and watches how they react.
The technique allowed them to zoom in on electrons like never before, uncovering shapes and behaviors that had been invisible until now. By studying the geometric properties of electron waves, scientists can engineer new materials with cutting-edge electronic capabilities.
The discovery has significant implications for technology, particularly in quantum computing. If scientists can decode how electron geometry works, they might be able to build more reliable quantum computers. Researchers are also exploring how quantum geometry affects material properties like electricity and magnetism, which could shape the future of electronics and energy.
While the discovery may seem abstract, its application could lead to a new era of technology similar to the Industrial Revolution. Physicists hope to tame electrons’ movement patterns by studying and guiding their geometry. If successful, this could be used in creating more efficient circuits, manufacturing cutting-edge quantum technology, and revolutionizing industries such as power grids and computing.
Source: https://eladelantado.com/news/electron-shape-discovery-quantum-physics/