Physicists at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a new state of quantum matter that could revolutionize self-charging computers and deep space travel. The team, led by Professor Luis A. Jauregui, created this exotic material using high magnetic fields, which could enable signals to be carried by spin rather than electrical charge.
The new phase is formed when electrons and their counterparts, known as “holes,” spontaneously pair up and form excitons, with the unusual property of spinning in the same direction. This state would glow a bright light if held in one’s hands.
Jauregui explained that applying high magnetic fields to the material causes its ability to carry electricity to drop, transforming it into this exotic state. The discovery is significant because it offers a new path toward energy-efficient technologies and could provide a solution for space missions.
The material, hafnium pentatelluride, is ideal for space travel due to its resistance to radiation, making it an attractive candidate for long-lasting computers in deep space. Companies like SpaceX are planning human-piloted missions to Mars, which would require reliable electronics that can withstand prolonged exposure to radiation.
While the possibilities of this discovery are still being explored, Jauregui noted that it could lead to significant advancements in technology and potentially pave the way for new applications.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-07-physicists-state-quantum.html