In a significant breakthrough for quantum physics, researchers have unveiled a model system of quantum critical points that promises to revolutionize our understanding of novel materials. Led by Prof. N. S. Vidhyadhiraja from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), the study sheds light on the elusive phenomenon of “local quantum criticality,” offering insights into materials’ behaviors near critical points.
While conventional materials like silicon are well-understood using established frameworks, the complexities of emerging materials pose challenges. Transition metal oxides, manganates, ruthinates, and iridates exhibit unique properties that defy traditional explanations, holding promise for advanced applications in devices like sensors and quantum computers.
The research, published in Physical Review B and supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), delves into the concept of emergence in condensed matter physics. By studying collective electron interactions akin to the organization of social insects, the team unravels the mysteries of materials’ behavior under varying environmental conditions.
At the heart of the study lies the investigation of quantum critical metal-insulator transitions, occurring at zero kelvin. Through the “modified periodic Anderson model (MPAM),” researchers uncover a distinctive energy distribution pattern known as the “soft-gap spectrum.” This phenomenon emerges precisely at critical points when materials transition from metal to insulator states, offering a window into quantum criticality.
The discovery holds promise for characterizing quantum criticality and deciphering unusual material behaviors near critical points. Moreover, it opens avenues for understanding entanglement and advancing quantum computing—an exciting frontier in contemporary science.
As Prof. Vidhyadhiraja aptly summarizes, this pioneering research marks a significant step towards unlocking the secrets of quantum physics, paving the way for transformative advances in materials science and technology.
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