Physicists have made a groundbreaking discovery by measuring the geometry of electrons in solids at the quantum level, opening new avenues for understanding and manipulating material properties with potential applications in quantum computing, advanced electronics, and magnetism.
Measuring the Shape of Quantum Electrons for the First Time
Physicists have made a groundbreaking discovery by measuring the geometry of electrons in solids at the quantum level. This achievement opens new avenues for understanding and manipulating the properties of materials, with potential applications in fields such as quantum computing, advanced electronics, and magnetism.
The Challenge of Measuring Quantum Geometry
In the world of quantum physics, an electron can be described as both a point in space and a wave-like shape. At the heart of this challenge lies a fundamental object known as a wave function that describes the latter. There are different types of wave functions, ranging from simple to complex, with materials composed of the more complex ones becoming increasingly important.
A New Technique for Measuring Quantum Geometry
To overcome this challenge, researchers have developed a new technique called angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). This method allows scientists to measure the quantum geometry of materials by analyzing the properties of electrons emitted from a material when it is exposed to light. The MIT team adapted ARPES to measure the quantum geometry of a kagome metal, a type of material with unique properties.
Close Collaborations and Unexpected Opportunities
The success of this research was made possible by close collaborations between theorists and experimentalists. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in facilitating these collaborations, as researchers were able to work together remotely. Additionally, the pandemic created an unexpected opportunity for Riccardo Comin, who traveled to Italy to help run ARPES experiments at the Italian Light Source Elettra.
A Breakthrough with Implications
The measurement of quantum geometry opens new avenues for understanding and manipulating the properties of materials. This research has implications for fields such as quantum computing, advanced electronics, and magnetism, making it an exciting development in the field of physics. The researchers involved in this study are affiliated with various institutions, including MIT, Cornell University, and the Italian Light Source Elettra.
Funding and Acknowledgments
This work was funded by several organizations, including the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the National Science Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The researchers would like to acknowledge the support of their colleagues and institutions, as well as the funding agencies that made this research possible.
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