A cutting-edge approach for manipulating quantum states within specific materials has been unveiled. Utilizing an electric field, researchers have been able to induce the switching of polarization in the ferroelectric substrate, thereby altering its magnetic and topological properties. Acknowledgment: Mina Yoon, Fernando Reboredo, Jacquelyn DeMink/ORNL, United States Department of Energy.
The implications of these findings have the potential to redefine the landscape of electronics and quantum computing technologies.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in topological insulator materials. These materials are characterized by their insulating capabilities within their interior while being conductive externally.
First identified in the 1980s, topological materials have been hailed as a new phase of matter, earning their discoverers a Nobel Prize in 2016. With the application of only an electric field, the team at ORNL successfully transformed a conventional insulator into a magnetic topological insulator. This particular type of material permits the free flow of electrical current across its surface and edges without any loss of energy, driven by a change in the state of matter induced by the electric field.
Lead researcher Mina Yoon of ORNL commented, “This scientific development is poised to unlock various practical applications, ranging from next-generation electronics to spintronics and quantum computing.”
Materials of this nature could facilitate the development of ultra-fast, energy-efficient electronics that significantly outperform the capabilities of existing silicon-based technologies. The findings of this groundbreaking study were published in the journal 2D Materials.
Citation: “Non-volatile electric control of magnetic and topological properties of MnBi2Te4 thin films” by Wei Luo, Mao-Hua Du, Fernando A Reboredo, and Mina Yoon, published on April 28, 2023, in 2D Materials.
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/accaf7
The research received financial support from the Basic Energy Sciences and the Quantum Science Center.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Quantum Breakthrough
What is the main breakthrough achieved by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?
The primary breakthrough is a new technique for manipulating quantum states in topological insulator materials using an electric field. This allows the material to become a magnetic topological insulator, which permits the flow of electricity across its surface and edges without any energy dissipation.
What are topological insulators?
Topological insulators are a phase of material that is insulating on the inside but conductive on the surface. They were discovered in the 1980s and their discoverers received a Nobel Prize in 2016.
What are the potential applications of this research?
The research holds significant promise for multiple practical applications, including the development of next-generation electronics, spintronics, and quantum computing. These materials could enable ultra-fast, energy-efficient electronic devices that outperform existing silicon-based technologies.
Who led the study and where was it published?
The study was led by Mina Yoon of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The findings were published in the journal 2D Materials on April 28, 2023.
What kind of financial support did the research receive?
The research was financially backed by the Basic Energy Sciences and the Quantum Science Center.
How could this breakthrough impact current electronics?
This groundbreaking material could lead to the development of high-speed, low-power electronics that use less energy and operate more efficiently than current silicon-based electronics.
What changes in the material occur due to the electric field?
An applied electric field induces a switching of polarization in the ferroelectric substrate of the material. This, in turn, results in changes to the material’s magnetic and topological states.
What is the significance of the material’s magnetic and topological states?
The magnetic and topological states of the material allow for the flow of electrical current without any loss of energy, which is particularly valuable for various applications including advanced electronics and quantum computing.
Is the study peer-reviewed?
The article was published in the peer-reviewed journal 2D Materials, implying that the research has undergone rigorous scholarly evaluation.
What is the DOI for the research publication?
The DOI for the research publication is 10.1088/2053-1583/accaf7.
More about Quantum Breakthrough
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Research Overview
- Journal 2D Materials
- Basic Energy Sciences Funding Information
- Quantum Science Center
- Nobel Prize in Physics 2016 for Topological Phases of Matter
- Understanding Topological Insulators
- Future of Electronics and Quantum Computing
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10 comments
Sounds promising, but let’s see if it can actually deliver. Lot of hype around quantum stuff lately.
Topological insulators winning a Nobel and now this? What a time to be alive in the realm of science!
Keep an eye on this, people. This kind of breakthrough is where you’ll want to put your money. Trust me.
Excellent article. Appreciate the in-depth look at the research. Would like to see more like this.
who funds these kind of studies anyway? happy to know it’s backed by some big names. makes it more legit, you know?
finally, some research that promises to make quantum computing a reality. It’s about time!
Wow, this is huge! Can’t believe how far we’ve come in quantum research. The future’s looking bright folks.
Do we have any idea when this tech will be market-ready? Can’t wait to see real-world applications.
This could be a game changer, seriously. Imagine the kind of electronics we could have in 5 years? mind blown.
Love that its energy efficient. Any step toward sustainability is a win in my book.