#1
#1 out of 1
1d ago
Scientists Discovered a New, Deeply Weird Quantum State
- Scientists report a tunable quantum phase in moiré crystals that makes electrons switch between conducting and insulating states.
- The phase results from a patterned moiré surface guiding a generalized Wigner crystal in a two-layer system.
- Researchers used a two-layer moiré system to enable different crystalline shapes, such as stripes or honeycomb patterns.
- The study aims to understand finite temperature melting and the stability of generalized Wigner crystals in moiré systems.
- The so-called pinball state is deemed plausible in real-life conditions, though likely at near absolute zero.
- Authors describe turning quantum knobs beyond temperature to manipulate states of matter in these moiré systems.
- The research contributes to understanding finite-temperature melting of generalized Wigner crystals in twisted materials.
- The work highlights a stable, partially melted 'pinball liquid' phase at low temperatures.
- The findings help connect moiré systems with broader models to clarify experimental work in quantum materials.
- The study appeared in Nature Partner Journals Quantum Materials, with implications for future quantum devices.
Vote 0