A team of physicists has recently discovered that a simple twist can unlock never-before-seen quantum behavior in certain materials. By introducing a twist to the layers of a two-dimensional material, researchers have been able to create a new type of quantum system that exhibits unique properties.
The experiment
The team used a technique called "twistronics" to create a twisted bilayer graphene, which consists of two layers of graphene that are twisted relative to each other. Graphene is a two-dimensional material made of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. By twisting the layers, the researchers created a moiré pattern, which is a periodic arrangement of atoms that is different from the original lattice structure.
The results
The team found that the twisted bilayer graphene exhibited a range of unusual quantum behaviors, including:
- Fractional quantum Hall effect: The researchers observed a fractional quantum Hall effect, which is a phenomenon where the Hall conductivity of a material is quantized in fractions of the fundamental charge. This effect is typically seen in systems with strong correlations between electrons.
- Superconductivity: The team also found that the twisted bilayer graphene became superconducting at very low temperatures, which is a state where the material can conduct electricity with zero resistance.
- Quantum anomalous Hall effect: The researchers observed a quantum anomalous Hall effect, which is a phenomenon where the Hall conductivity of a material is quantized in the absence of an external magnetic field.
The implications
The discovery of these unusual quantum behaviors has significant implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics and the development of new quantum technologies. The twisted bilayer graphene system provides a new platform for studying strong correlations between electrons and the emergence of exotic quantum phases.
Potential applications
The unique properties of twisted bilayer graphene could have potential applications in a range of fields, including:
- Quantum computing: The superconducting and quantum Hall properties of twisted bilayer graphene could be used to develop new types of quantum computing devices.
- Quantum simulation: The system could be used to simulate complex quantum systems and study the behavior of electrons in strongly correlated systems.
- Energy applications: The unique properties of twisted bilayer graphene could be used to develop new energy storage and conversion devices, such as supercapacitors and solar cells.
Overall, the discovery of never-before-seen quantum behavior in twisted bilayer graphene is an exciting development that could lead to significant advances in our understanding of quantum mechanics and the development of new quantum technologies.
