In a significant breakthrough at the University of Cambridge, scientists have uncovered magnetic monopoles within hematite, a rust-like substance, through the use of diamond quantum sensing. This landmark discovery of emergent monopoles, which act as solitary magnetic charges, has the potential to transform computing by introducing faster, more sustainable technologies.
The Cambridge team’s discovery of magnetic monopoles in hematite opens new horizons for advanced, eco-conscious computing solutions. This unprecedented observation of emergent monopoles in a natural magnet paves the way for future research in quantum materials.
In a remarkable finding, researchers have located magnetic monopoles – single magnetic charges – in a substance closely resembling rust, with implications for developing more efficient and speedier computing technologies.
The team from the University of Cambridge employed diamond quantum sensing to detect subtle magnetic signals and swirling patterns on hematite’s surface, a type of iron oxide.
Emergent Monopoles and Intricate Textures
The study revealed that magnetic monopoles in hematite arise from the collective behavior of numerous spins (particles’ angular momentum). These monopoles move across hematite’s surface, resembling small magnetic charge pucks. This marks the first instance of naturally occurring emergent monopoles being experimentally observed.
The research also elucidated the direct link between previously unseen swirling patterns and the magnetic charges in materials like hematite, hinting at a hidden connection. The findings, which could benefit future logic and memory applications, are published in the journal Nature Materials on December 5.
Contextualizing Magnetic Monopoles
James Clerk Maxwell, a prominent figure in Cambridge physics, posited that magnetic entities, from fridge magnets to Earth, must always possess dual poles that cannot be separated.
Professor Mete Atatüre, leader of the research, explained, “Everyday magnets have a north and south pole. While 19th-century theories speculated the existence of monopoles, Maxwell’s foundational electromagnetism equations suggested otherwise.”
Atatüre, now leading Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, once headed by Maxwell, remarked, “If monopoles truly exist and can be isolated, it would be akin to uncovering a long-assumed lost puzzle piece.”
Collaborative Emergence Strategy in Research
About 15 years ago, theories suggested monopoles could exist in magnetic materials through the extreme separation of north and south poles, creating apparent isolation in exotic materials like spin ice.
Alternatively, Cambridge researchers, in collaboration with the University of Oxford and the National University of Singapore, employed the concept of emergence. This idea posits that the combination of multiple physical entities can create properties different from or greater than their individual contributions.
The team discovered monopoles spread over two-dimensional spaces, traversing the swirling patterns on magnetic materials’ surfaces.
Antiferromagnets and Diamond Quantum Magnetometry
To study antiferromagnets, which are more stable but harder to analyze than ferromagnets due to weaker magnetic signatures, Atatüre’s team utilized diamond quantum magnetometry. This method employs a single spin in a diamond needle to precisely measure a material’s magnetic field without altering its behavior.
In their current study, the researchers examined hematite, an antiferromagnetic iron oxide, and unexpectedly found hidden magnetic charge patterns, including monopoles, dipoles, and quadrupoles.
“Monopoles were theorized, but this is the first observation of a two-dimensional monopole in a natural magnet,” stated co-author Professor Paolo Radaelli, from Oxford.
“These monopoles are not single fixed particles but collective states of many spins,” added co-first author Dr. Hariom Jani, also from Oxford.
“We’ve demonstrated how diamond quantum magnetometry can reveal the enigmatic nature of magnetism in two-dimensional quantum materials,” said co-first author Dr. Anthony Tan, from the Cavendish Laboratory. “The challenge was imaging these textures in antiferromagnets, but now we can, combining diamonds and rust.”
This study not only showcases the potential of diamond quantum magnetometry but also its ability to explore and understand hidden magnetic phenomena in quantum materials. If harnessed, these magnetic charge-dressed swirling textures could revolutionize super-fast, energy-efficient computer memory logic.
The research, supported by the Royal Society, the Sir Henry Royce Institute, the European Union, and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is titled “Revealing Emergent Magnetic Charge in an Antiferromagnet with Diamond Quantum Magnetometry” and was published on December 5, 2023, in Nature Materials.
DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01737-4
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Magnetic Monopoles
What is the significance of the discovery of magnetic monopoles in hematite?
The discovery of magnetic monopoles in hematite by University of Cambridge researchers is a groundbreaking development in physics. It challenges long-standing theories about magnetism and opens up new possibilities for the development of faster, more environmentally friendly computing technologies.
How were magnetic monopoles in hematite detected?
Magnetic monopoles in hematite were detected using a technique called diamond quantum sensing. This method involves using the quantum properties of a diamond to detect and measure subtle magnetic signals on the surface of hematite.
What are the potential applications of this discovery in computing technology?
The observation of magnetic monopoles in hematite could lead to significant advancements in computing technology. It opens the door to developing faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly computational devices, potentially revolutionizing the field of quantum computing.
What are magnetic monopoles?
Magnetic monopoles are theoretical particles that behave like isolated magnetic charges. Unlike standard magnets that have both north and south poles, magnetic monopoles act as if they have only one pole (either north or south).
Who led the research on magnetic monopoles in hematite?
The research on magnetic monopoles in hematite was led by Professor Mete Atatüre from the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Oxford and the National University of Singapore.
More about Magnetic Monopoles
- University of Cambridge
- Nature Materials Journal
- Diamond Quantum Sensing
- Magnetic Monopoles Research
- Professor Mete Atatüre’s Profile
- Quantum Computing Advancements
- James Clerk Maxwell’s Electromagnetism
- Antiferromagnets Study
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
4 comments
Its amazing how they used diamonds to find these monopoles, never knew diamonds could be used for such things. hats off to the researchers, making such big strides in physics
i’m not really a science person but this sounds important? like, changing computers and all that. But what’s diamond quantum sensing, sounds fancy and complicated
wow, this is huge news! i never thought they’d actually find magnetic monopoles, especially in something like rust. Cambridge really is at the forefront of science, aren’t they?
magnetic monopoles, sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? can’t wait to see how this discovery changes technology in the future. props to the team at Cambridge!