MIT scientists integrate quasicrystals with twistronics, unveiling a novel approach to superconductivity and its prospective utility in electronic applications.
A pioneering platform may facilitate the development of elusive materials and instigate further research into rare phenomena.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with their collaborators, have devised a straightforward and adaptable method to create new types of atomically thin quasicrystals, potentially revitalizing interest in this mysterious class of materials. Detailed in a recent edition of the scientific journal Nature, the team demonstrated how these quasicrystals can be engineered to exhibit superconductivity among other properties.
This new research platform serves as a valuable foundation for expanding our understanding of quasicrystals, as well as for probing uncommon phenomena that, while challenging to investigate, could lead to transformative applications and the uncovering of novel physics. For instance, advancing our grasp of superconductivity, the phenomenon whereby electrons traverse through a material without resistance, could significantly enhance the efficiency of electronic devices.
![Image description: An illustration of a moiré quasicrystal, formed by three layers of atomically thin graphene, overlapped at different angles. Credit: Sergio C. de la Barrera/University of Toronto]
Table of Contents
The Convergence of Twistronics and Quasicrystals
This research unites two previously disparate scientific domains: twistronics and quasicrystals. Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics at MIT and the lead author of the new paper in Nature, specializes in twistronics. His groundbreaking work on “magic-angle” graphene in 2018 served as a catalyst for the field.
Jarillo-Herrero notes the exceptional capability of twistronics to continually forge unforeseen links to other scientific disciplines, including, in this case, the intricate and mysterious domain of quasiperiodic crystals. He is also affiliated with MIT’s Materials Research Laboratory and the MIT Research Laboratory of Electronics.
Key Developments in the Field of Twistronics
Twistronics involves the superimposition of atomically thin material layers. By rotating one or multiple layers at minor angles, a distinctive pattern known as a moiré superlattice is formed. This pattern, in turn, influences the electron behavior by altering the spectrum of available energy levels. According to Sergio C. de la Barrera, one of the co-primary authors of the research paper, this could set the stage for intriguing phenomena. De la Barrera carried out the research as a postdoctoral scholar at MIT and is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto.
Understanding Quasicrystals
The team’s research involved manipulating a moiré system composed of three graphene sheets. They layered these sheets and rotated two of them at slightly divergent angles, resulting in the unexpected formation of a quasicrystal. Quasicrystals were discovered in the 1980s and are a type of material that lies somewhere between the regularity of crystals and the random arrangement of atoms in amorphous substances. While they exhibit peculiar patterns, they have not received extensive attention, particularly concerning their electronic properties.
Collaboration for In-depth Analysis
Given the researchers’ lack of expertise in quasicrystals, they consulted Professor Ron Lifshitz of Tel Aviv University, who aided in a more nuanced understanding of the observed moiré quasicrystal. This collaboration allowed the team to tune the quasicrystal to become superconducting at certain low temperatures. This is particularly significant as the phenomenon of superconductivity still poses many unanswered questions, and this novel moiré quasicrystal system provides a fresh perspective for investigation.
Future Implications
The team acknowledged that their understanding of the system remains incomplete and further research is necessary. Nonetheless, they have made a significant contribution by presenting a relatively simple platform for studying quasicrystals and their associated phenomena, which could have considerable implications for both physics and applications in electronic devices.
Reference: Published on 19th July 2023, in Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06294-z
Additional contributors to this paper include Raymond C. Ashoori, a Professor of Physics at MIT; Mallika T. Randeria, a researcher at MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Trithep Devakul, an assistant professor at Stanford University; Philip J. D. Crowley, a postdoc at Harvard University; and Kenji Watanabe and Takashi Taniguchi from the National Institute for Materials Science in Japan.
Financial support for this research was provided by the U.S. Army Research Office, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, an MIT Pappalardo Fellowship, a VATAT Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellowship in Quantum Science and Technology, the JSPS KAKENHI, and the Israel Science Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Quasicrystal Superconductivity
What is the main focus of the MIT research described in the article?
The main focus of the research is on merging twistronics with quasicrystals to gain new insights into superconductivity. The scientists have developed a flexible platform that allows for the creation of atomically thin quasicrystals with tunable properties, thereby enhancing the understanding of exotic phenomena and potentially leading to more efficient electronic devices.
What are quasicrystals, and how do they differ from regular crystals?
Quasicrystals are an enigmatic class of materials that occupy a space between crystals, which have a regular repeating structure, and amorphous materials, like glass, where atoms are randomly arranged. They were discovered in the 1980s and have unique, strange patterns that differentiate them from other materials. Compared to regular crystals and amorphous materials, relatively less is known about quasicrystals.
What is twistronics, and how does it relate to quasicrystals?
Twistronics involves layering atomically thin materials on top of each other and rotating one or more layers at slight angles. This creates a unique pattern known as a moiré superlattice, which impacts the behavior of electrons. In this MIT research, twistronics was combined with quasicrystals, marking a novel interdisciplinary approach.
Who are the key contributors to this research?
The key contributors include Pablo Jarillo-Herrero, the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics at MIT, and Sergio C. de la Barrera, who is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Other contributors come from various institutions including Tel Aviv University, Stanford University, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
What potential applications does this research have?
The research could significantly impact the field of electronics by providing a better understanding of superconductivity, wherein electrons pass through a material with no resistance. This could lead to the development of much more efficient electronic devices.
How was the research funded?
The research received funding from multiple sources, including the U.S. Army Research Office, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, MIT Pappalardo Fellowship, a VATAT Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellowship in Quantum Science and Technology, the JSPS KAKENHI, and the Israel Science Foundation.
More about Quasicrystal Superconductivity
- MIT’s Official Press Release on Quasicrystal Research
- Nature Journal Publication of the Study
- Overview of Twistronics
- Introduction to Quasicrystals
- Understanding Superconductivity
- MIT Materials Research Laboratory
- U.S. Army Research Office Funding Information
- U.S. National Science Foundation Funding Information
6 comments
Whats a moiré system? Need to dig deeper to understand this. But hey, if it leads to better electronics, Im all for it.
Finally some solid steps toward understanding superconductivity. This could change electronics for the better, big time!
Am I the only one who finds it impressive that this research got funding from so many diverse sources? U.S. Army, NSF, and even the Israel Science Foundation. That’s something.
So twistronics and quasicrystals were like two different worlds, and now they’re together? mind blown.
I don’t really get all the scientific jargon but it sounds like they’re on to somethin really big. Kudos to the team.
Wow, this is a game changer! MIT’s breakthrough really opens up new avenues in superconductivity. can’t wait to see what comes next.