Scientists Find Hidden Quantum Switch: Spin Size Changes Material’s Core Nature
Scientists have found a hidden switch inside quantum matter. This discovery changes a core rule in physics. It reveals how the size of a quantum particle’s spin can flip a material’s entire behavior.Quantum materials act in surprising ways. Individual spins behave predictably alone. However, when many spins interact, entirely new effects emerge. This collective behavior is key to understanding quantum matter.One crucial effect is the Kondo effect. It describes how localized spins interact with moving electrons. For decades, studying this purely has been difficult. Why? Real materials have extra complexities like electron motion and charge.
A Clean Model Reveals a Quantum Boundary
Researchers created a clean model to solve this. They used an engineered organic-inorganic material. This model, called a Kondo necklace, isolates only spin interactions. It finally allowed a direct test.The team compared two systems. One had small spin-1/2 particles. The other had larger spin-1 particles. The results were striking. Therefore, a clear quantum boundary appeared.In the spin-1/2 system, the Kondo effect created non-magnetic singlets. In the spin-1 system, however, the same effect did the opposite. It actively stabilized a long-range magnetic order.
Rethinking a Fundamental Rule
This finding challenges a long-held assumption. Traditionally, the Kondo effect was thought to only suppress magnetism. Now, we know it can also promote it. The switch depends entirely on the spin size.This is the first direct proof of this quantum principle. Associate Professor Hironori Yamaguchi led the work. He states this opens a new research area in quantum materials.
A New Path for Quantum Technology
This discovery has major implications. It provides a powerful new design strategy. Scientists can now control a material’s quantum state by tuning its spin size.For example, this could help create advanced quantum devices. Controlling magnetic noise and quantum entanglement becomes possible. As a result, this research may guide progress in quantum computing and information technology.The hidden quantum switch is now found. It gives us a fresh lens to see and build the future of quantum matter.
