Scientists Uncover a New Type of Quantum State in Graphene

Electrons forced through a maze of twisted carbon layers behave in unexpected ways. Researchers from the University of British Columbia, the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, and Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science have discovered a strange new state of matter in graphene’s electrical currents.

Their findings confirm predictions about electron behavior in crystalline formations and could inspire new approaches to quantum computing or room-temperature superconductors.

“Graphene consists of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern,” explains study co-author Joshua Folk, a condensed matter physicist at UBC. “How electrons hop between these atoms determines its electrical properties, making it similar to metals like copper.”

For decades, graphene’s unique structure has fascinated scientists. Its free electrons move like quantum game pieces, allowing researchers to manipulate resistance and uncover exotic states of matter. This makes graphene an ideal testing ground for exploring low-resistance conductivity and quantum effects.

A New Twist: Moiré Effects and Electron Freezing

One such quantum effect is electron “freezing,” where electrons lock into position, transforming from a flowing liquid-like state into a structured arrangement called a Wigner crystal. Traditionally, these crystals had well-defined shapes and behaviors—until now.

In this experiment, researchers twisted single-atom-thick layers of graphene to create a moiré effect—a pattern formed when two grids overlap. This distortion alters the electrons’ motion, changing their speed and even twisting their movement along the material’s edges.

“This results in a paradox,” says Folk. “Despite forming an ordered crystal, the electrons still conduct electricity along the boundaries—something never seen in conventional Wigner crystals.”

A New Frontier in Quantum Computing

This bizarre electron behavior also leads to phenomena like the quantum Hall effect, where resistance becomes quantized. Such topological quantum states are a goldmine for physicists seeking more stable qubits—key components of quantum computers.

Twisting graphene may be just the beginning. Manipulating atomic-scale geometry could unlock even stranger electron behaviors, paving the way for new breakthroughs in quantum technology.

Read Original Article: Science Alert

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