Scientists Capture First Microscopy Images of Atomic Thermal Vibrations
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A groundbreaking microscopy technique reveals a new type of atomic motion, potentially revolutionizing quantum technologies and ultrathin electronics.
Researchers investigating atomic-scale phenomena impacting next-generation electronic and quantum devices have captured the first microscopy images of atomic thermal vibrations, revealing a new type of motion that could reshape the design of quantum technologies and ultrathin electronics.
Yichao zhang, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland Department of Materials science and Engineering, has developed an electron microscopy technique to directly image “moirรฉ phasons” — a physical phenomenon that impacts superconductivity and heat conduction in two-dimensional materials for next-generation electronic and quantum devices. A paper about the research, which documents images of the thermal vibration of individual atoms for the first time, published July 24 in the journal Science. (See video link below.)
Two-dimensional materials, which are sheet-like structures a few nanometers thick, are being explored as new components of next-generation quantum and electronic devices. A feature in twisted two-dimensional materials are “moirรฉ phasons,” critical to understanding the materials’ thermal conductivity, electronic behavior, and structural order.Previously,moirรฉ phasons were challenging to detect experimentally,preventing further understanding of the materials that could revolutionize quantum technologies and energy-efficient electronics.
Zhang‘s research team took on this challenge by using a new technique called “electron ptychography,” which achieved the highest resolution documented (better than 15 picometer) and detected blurring of individual atoms caused by thermal vibrations. Her work has revealed that spatially localized moirรฉ phasons dominate thermal vibrations of twisted two-dimensional materials, which fundamentally reshaped how scientists understand its impact.
The breakthrough study, which confirmed the longstanding theoretical predictions of moirรฉ phasons, also demonstrated that “electron ptychography” can be used to map thermal vibrations with atomic precision for the first time — which was previously an experimental capability out of reach.
“This is like decoding a hidden language of atomic motion,” said Zhang. “Electron ptychography lets us see these subtle vibrations directly. Now we have a powerful new method to explore previously hidden physics, which will accelerate discoveries in two dimensional quantum materials.”
Zhang’s research team will next focus on resolving how thermal vibrations are affected by defects and interfaces in quantum and electronic materials. Controlling these atomic-scale phenomena could lead to significant advancements in the performance and efficiency of future electronic and quantum devices.
Evergreen Insights
The ability to visualize atomic thermal vibrations is a significant leap forward in materials science. Understanding these subtle movements is crucial for optimizing the properties of two-dimensional materials, which are foundational to emerging technologies like quantum computing and advanced semiconductors. This research builds upon decades of work in electron microscopy and condensed matter physics,pushing the boundaries of what is experimentally observable at the atomic scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are atomic thermal vibrations?
- Atomic thermal vibrations are the constant, random movements of atoms within a material due to their thermal energy. These vibrations are fundamental to a material’s properties.
- What are moirรฉ phasons?
- Moirรฉ phasons are a type of atomic-scale defect or motion that occurs in twisted two-dimensional materials, influencing their electronic and thermal properties.
- What is electron ptychography?
- electron ptychography is a high-resolution electron microscopy technique used to image atomic structures and phenomena, including thermal vibrations, with unprecedented detail.
- How does imaging atomic thermal vibrations impact quantum technologies?
- By understanding and potentially controlling atomic thermal vibrations, scientists can design more stable and efficient quantum devices, improving their performance and reliability.
- What are the applications of two-dimensional materials?
- Two-dimensional materials have potential applications in next-generation electronics,quantum computing,sensors,energy storage,and flexible displays due to their unique properties.
- What is the importance of imaging moirรฉ phasons?
- Imaging moirรฉ phasons provides critical insights into the behavior of two-dimensional materials, enabling researchers to better understand and manipulate their superconductivity and heat conduction for technological advancements.
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.The findings represent a significant step forward in our ability to probe and understand the fundamental workings of materials at the atomic level.