Novel way to manipulate exotic materials

A new method to control quantum states in a material is shown. The electric field induces polarization switching of the ferroelectric substrate, resulting in different magnetic and topological states.
Credit: Mina Yoon, Fernando Reboredo, Jacquelyn DeMink/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Finding could revolutionize electronics, quantum computing.

An advance in a topological insulator material — whose interior behaves like an electrical insulator but whose surface behaves like a conductor — could revolutionize the fields of next-generation electronics and quantum computing, according to scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Discovered in the 1980s, a topological material is a new phase of material whose discoverers received a Nobel Prize in 2016. Using only an electric field, ORNL researchers have transformed a normal insulator into a magnetic topological insulator. This exotic material allows electricity to flow across its surface and edges with no energy dissipation. The electric field induces a change in the state of matter.

“The research could result in many practical applications, such as next-generation electronics, spintronics and quantum computing,” said ORNL’s Mina Yoon, who led the study.

Such matter could lead to high-speed, low-power electronics that burn less energy and operate faster than current silicon-based electronics. The ORNL scientists published their findings in 2D Materials— Lawrence Bernard

Journal: 2D Materials
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/accaf7
Article Title: Non-volatile electric control of magnetic and topological properties of MnBi2Te4 thin films*
Article Publication Date: 28-Apr-2023

Media Contact

Alexandra DeMarco
DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
demarcoag@ornl.gov
Office: 615-935-1044

Media Contact

Alexandra DeMarco
DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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Materials management deals with the research, development, manufacturing and processing of raw and industrial materials. Key aspects here are biological and medical issues, which play an increasingly important role in this field.

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