Researchers from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago have created a new
When electrons move along traditionalmetal wires, they lose a small amount of energy in the form of heat. Also some of their internal properties change. And, therefore, these wires cannot be used to connect parts of quantum computers that encode data about the quantum properties of electrons.
Now scientists have figured out that MnBi₆Te₁₀ acts as a magnetic topological insulator, moving electrons around the perimeter while maintaining the electron energy and quantum properties.
“This is an important milestone on the way to the development of topological quantum computers,” the scientists explain.
The authors of the new study received MnBi₆Te₁₀ fromemployees of the 2D Crystal Consortium at the University of Pennsylvania. The physicists then used a combination of two approaches—angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The goal is to find out how electrons behave in MnBi₆Te₁₀ and how their motion depends on the magnetic state.
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On the cover:The scientists have shown how MnBi₆Te₁₀, shown in purple (tellurium), blue (bismuth), and green (manganese), can act as a magnetic topological insulator, conducting electrical current (blue) along the "quantum highway" without losing energy. The study showed that the concerted action of various material defects is the key to quantum electronic properties. Credit: University of Chicago