Scientists from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stanford University have unveiled groundbreaking findings that challenge our current understanding of quantum vortices in superconductors. Illustrated in the accompanying image is an artist’s representation of these quantum vortices. Credit for the image goes to Greg Stewart from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
In a remarkable breakthrough, researchers have revolutionized our comprehension of quantum vortices in superconductors by demonstrating their ability to contain fractional quantum flux, contrary to previous theoretical frameworks. This pivotal discovery, achieved through the manipulation of quantum vortices, has unlocked unprecedented potential applications in superconducting electronics and computing.
Within superconductors, these miniature electron tornadoes, known as quantum vortices, play a significant role in various superconducting applications, including quantum sensors. Now, an international team of scientists has identified a new type of superconducting vortex.
Professor Egor Babaev, affiliated with KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, explains that this study challenges the prevailing understanding of electronic flow in superconductors, which was built upon earlier research on quantum vortices that was recognized with the 2003 Nobel Prize. Collaborating with researchers from Stanford University, TD Lee Institute in Shanghai, and AIST in Tsukuba, the team from KTH discovered that the magnetic flux generated by vortices in a superconductor can encompass a wider range of values than previously thought.
This revelation represents a novel insight into the fundamentals of superconductivity and holds the potential for applications in superconducting electronics.
A vortex of magnetic flux arises when an external magnetic field is applied to a superconductor, with the magnetic field penetrating the superconductor in the form of quantized magnetic flux tubes, which form vortices. Initially, research postulated that quantum vortices pass through superconductors, each carrying a single quantum of magnetic flux. However, the notion of arbitrary fractions of quantum flux was not entertained in earlier theories of superconductivity.
By employing the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) at Stanford University, Babaev’s co-authors, research scientist Yusuke Iguchi and Professor Kathryn A. Moler, demonstrated at a microscopic level that quantum vortices can exist within a single electronic band. The team successfully created and manipulated these fractional quantum vortices, as confirmed by Moler.
“Professor Babaev has been suggesting the possibility of something like this for years, but I remained skeptical until Dr. Iguchi actually observed and extensively examined it,” she remarks.
The Stanford researchers encountered this phenomenon in its initial observation, which Iguchi describes as “exceedingly rare.” To validate their findings, the experiment was repeated 75 times at different locations and temperatures.
This work substantiates a prediction Babaev made 20 years ago, suggesting that in specific crystal structures, one part of an electron population in a superconducting material can form a clockwise circulating vortex, while simultaneously, other electrons can form a counter-clockwise vortex. Babaev explains that these combined quantum tornadoes have the capacity to carry any fractional amount of flux quantum.
“This challenges our existing understanding of quantum vortices in superconductors,” he asserts.
Moler affirms this conclusion by stating, “Throughout my 25-year investigation of vortices in novel superconductors, I have never encountered anything like this before.”
Babaev highlights the robustness of quantum vortices and their potential for control, suggesting that they could serve as information carriers in superconducting computers.
“The knowledge we have acquired, along with the remarkable techniques introduced by our colleagues Dr. Iguchi and Professor Moler at Stanford, may eventually prove valuable for specific platforms in quantum computation,” Babaev concludes.
Reference: “Superconducting vortices carrying a temperature-dependent fraction of the flux quantum” by Yusuke Iguchi, Ruby A. Shi, Kunihiro Kihou, Chul-Ho Lee, Mats Barkman, Andrea L. Benfenati, Vadim Grinenko, Egor Babaev, and Kathryn A. Moler, 1 June 2023, Science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.abp9979
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about superconductors
What is the significance of the recent discovery regarding quantum vortices in superconductors?
The recent discovery regarding quantum vortices in superconductors is significant because it challenges our previous understanding by demonstrating that these vortices can contain fractional quantum flux, contrary to previous theories. This opens up new possibilities for applications in superconducting electronics and computing.
What are quantum vortices and how do they relate to superconductors?
Quantum vortices are tiny tornado-like structures of electrons that can occur within superconductors. They play a crucial role in various applications of superconductors, such as quantum sensors. These vortices are formed when an external magnetic field is applied to a superconductor, and the magnetic flux penetrates the superconductor, creating quantized magnetic flux tubes that form the vortices.
How does the recent discovery revise our understanding of quantum vortices in superconductors?
The recent discovery revises our understanding by showing that quantum vortices in superconductors can carry arbitrary fractions of quantum flux, which was not previously considered. Earlier theories suggested that quantum vortices carried only one quantum of magnetic flux each. This new insight expands our knowledge of the fundamental behavior of superconductivity.
What experimental techniques were used to confirm the existence of fractional quantum vortices?
The researchers used the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) at Stanford University to conduct their experiments. They observed the existence of fractional quantum vortices at a microscopic level within a single electronic band. By creating and manipulating these vortices, they were able to validate their findings and demonstrate the controllability of these structures.
Are there any potential applications for this discovery?
Yes, this discovery opens up new potential applications in superconducting electronics and computing. The robustness and controllability of quantum vortices suggest that they could be utilized as information carriers in superconducting computers. This knowledge may contribute to the development of certain platforms for quantum computation in the future.
More about superconductors
- Quantum Vortices in Superconductors: Link to article
- Superconductivity and Its Applications: Link to research paper
- Fractional Quantum Flux in Quantum Vortices: Link to study
- Superconducting Electronics and Computing: Link to article
- SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device): Link to resource
4 comments
Finally, some new insights into quantum vortices! This discovery challenges everything we thought we knew. Kudos to the researchers for pushing the boundaries of our understanding. Can’t wait to read the full study! #QuantumPhysics #Superconductivity #CuttingEdgeResearch
fractional quantum flux in superconductors?! mind blown! this is a game-changer for quantum computing! can’t wait to see what other applications they discover! #Superconductors #QuantumVortices #ComputingRevolution
wow this is amazing! we’ve been wrong all along about quantum vortices in superconductors. now they can have fractions of flux. mindblown! #QuantumVortices #Superconductors #ScientificDiscovery
wait, so these tiny electron tornadoes can actually carry different amounts of flux? mind=blown. I can’t even comprehend the possibilities for superconducting electronics and computing! #QuantumVortices #Superconductivity #Breakthrough