It's not every day that a new state of matter is discovered in quantum physics, the branch of science that studies the behaviour of atomic and subatomic particles to better comprehend their features. However, an international team of researchers has done just that. The team has discovered a new quantum state of matter for the first time. In a magnetic substance named Ce2Zr2O7, which is made up of cerium, zirconium, and oxygen, the team discovered a “quantum spin liquid ground state”. Spin is an important feature in quantum physics that influences electron ordering. [1]

Figure 1. Unusual Quantum State of Matter Observed for the First Time

Figure 1 shows Spin causes a disorganised structure comparable to that of molecules in some materials, and, hence, the term “spin liquid”. Because the direction of spin continues to fluctuate as the material cools, spin liquids remain disorganised. This is alike stabilising in a solid state as in a conventional magnet, where all the spins are aligned.

As the material’s temperature rises, it gets more disorganised. Spin liquids, on the other hand, have the property of remaining disorganised even when cooled to absolute zero (–273°C / –459.67°F). [2]

Unlike traditional magnets, electrons in quantum spin liquids are arranged in a triangle lattice and form a “menage a trois” with strong turbulence disrupting their order. There is no magnetic order as a result of the entangled wave function. In contrast, electron spins are all orientated in the same direction in traditional magnets, forming a ferromagnetic phase. [3]Even at very low temperatures, this generates excitations that preserve spin disorder and thus, the liquid state.

"Identifying a new quantum state of matter is a dream come true for every physicist," said Bianchi. "Our material is revolutionary because we are the first to show it can indeed present as a spin liquid. This discovery could open the door to new approaches in designing quantum computers." [4]

References:

1. https://newslogic.in/science/unusual-quantum-state-of-matter-observed-for-the-first-time-in-substance-made-of-cerium-zirconium-oxygen/
2. http://arkmania.in/unusual-quantum-state-of-matter-observed-for-the-first-time-in-substance-made-of-cerium-zirconium-oxygen/
3. https://gadgets360.com/science/news/quantum-state-of-matter-first-time-unusual-made-of-cerium-zirconium-oxygen-magnetic-substance-spin-liquid-3003965
4. https://phys.org/news/2022-05-unusual-quantum-state.html

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Unusual Quantum State of Matter Observed for the First Time, Anatechmaz, pp. 333