New Quantum Matter Discovered, Promising Advances in Computing and Space Exploration
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a novel state of quantum matter wiht potential applications ranging from self-charging computers to radiation-resistant electronics for deep space missions. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, detail a previously unobserved phase of matter formed within a specially engineered material, hafnium pentatelluride.
This new phase arises when electrons and their positively charged counterparts, “holes,” combine to form a fluid-like mixture of rotating excitons – a behavior predicted theoretically but never before observed. “It’s a new phase of matter, similar to how water can exist as liquid, ice or vapor,” explains Luis A. Jauregui, professor of physics & astronomy at UC Irvine and lead author of the study. “It’s its own new thing.”
The finding was made by exposing the material to intense magnetic fields – up to 70 Teslas – at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).Researchers observed a sharp drop in electrical conductivity, signaling the transition into this exotic exciton state.This state offers the potential to carry signals using electron spin instead of charge, paving the way for more energy-efficient technologies like spin-based electronics and quantum devices.
Crucially,this new quantum matter demonstrates resilience to radiation,a significant advantage for electronics used in harsh environments. “It could be useful for space missions,” Jauregui states. “If you want computers in space that are going to last, this is one way to make that happen,” particularly as companies like SpaceX plan long-duration missions to Mars.
While the full implications of this discovery remain to be seen, the team is optimistic about the possibilities. “We don’t know yet what possibilities will open as a result,” Jauregui concludes.
The research was a collaborative effort led by Jinyu liu at UC Irvine, with contributions from Robert Welser, Timothy McSorley, and Triet Ho. Theoretical support came from Shizeng Lin, Varsha Subramanyan, and Avadh Saxena at LANL, and high-magnetic-field experiments were aided by Laurel Winter, Michael T. pettes at LANL, and David Graf at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Florida.
