MIT researchers have discovered a new state of matter

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered a new state of matter with a new state of magnetism, which was called quantum spin liquid (QSL). Due to such characteristics as long-range entanglement quantum entanglement, a new discovery can help achieve significant success in data storage and contribute to the development of new communication systems.

In the modern technological world, only two types of magnetism are most prevalent: ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. The first is known to mankind for hundreds of years, and both in the arrow rotating on the compass needle and in the magnets with which we played in childhood, the same property works: the magnetic moments (for example, charges of ions and electrons) are set one direction, which causes the appearance of two poles.

In turn, antiferromagnetic order of the magnetic moments is established in antiferromagnets, with the result that the total magnetization is zero. The combination of ferromagnetics and antiferromagnetics is used for the operation of the spin valves - magnetic sensors in the heads of hard disks.
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In the case of quantum spin liquids, the substance is a solid crystal, but its internal magnetic state is liquid, since it is constantly changing. The magnetic orientation of the electrons, their magnetic moment "flows", as they actively interact with their neighbors. Due to this interaction, the strength of which is sufficiently large, and the quantum effects, the magnetic moments do not remain motionless, and the effect of long-range interaction of quantum entanglement is observed.

Although it is very difficult at the moment to prove or confirm the existence of this state by measurements, researcher Lee Young believes that in the light of the presence of only theoretical models of physical systems, the data obtained are the most interesting of the existing ones. Philip Anderson spoke for the first time about the possibility of the existence of quantum spin fluids in 1987, mentioning that such a state of matter can help to create high-temperature superconductors. Lee says that the work has been going on for a long time, and only recently there has been some progress.

The sample itself is a herbertsmitite crystal. Lee and his colleagues were lucky to be the first to make a large sample of material last year, and it took 10 months. Now they are studying its properties. The study of the material was carried out using neutron scattering - Lie specificity, as well as a neutron spectrometer of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The result with a high probability indicates the fractalization of magnetic moments.

Lee said that the discovery of quantum spin liquid means a possible breakthrough in data storage devices and the development of new forms of magnetic drives and communications. As the scientist believes, the new state of matter brings us closer to the creation of high-temperature superconductors — materials that exhibit superconductivity at relatively ordinary temperatures, and not only when cooled to −200 ° C.

Scientific Report
MIT press release