As global demand for faster computing and sustainable energy solutions rises, the need for powerful yet energy-efficient electronic devices grows more urgent.

From smartphones and data centers to electric vehicles and next-generation quantum systems, the technology that powers daily life consumes enormous energy.

Reducing that footprint without sacrificing performance is a challenge researchers are racing to solve.

Physicists at Rice University have now taken a major step in that direction.

Led by Ming Yi and Emilia Morosan, the team developed a new quantum material with unique electronic properties that could lead to ultra-efficient electronic systems.

The material, a Kramers nodal line metal, was created by fine-tuning its atomic structure through precise chemical changes.

“Our work provides a clear path for discovering and designing new quantum materials with desirable properties for future electronics,” said Yi, associate professor of physics and astronomy.

Unlocking new behavior by altering symmetry

The Rice team engineered the material by introducing trace amounts of indium into tantalum disulfide (TaS₂), a layered compound.

This minor tweak triggered a shift in the crystal’s symmetry, which produced highly unusual electronic behavior.

The key discovery was a rare pattern of electron flow known as Kramers nodal line behavior.

In the modified structure, electrons with opposing spins moved along separate paths through momentum space, akin to cars driving in opposite directions on a divided highway.

These paths remained distinct until they converged at the nodal line, a protected state that enables unusual conduction properties.

“Designing a material to meet the stringent symmetry conditions necessary for these special properties was challenging, but the outcomes have been rewarding,” said Morosan, who is also a professor of electrical and computer engineering and chemistry, and director of the Rice Center for Quantum Materials.

A material that resists energy loss

In addition to its topological traits, the new material showed superconducting properties, allowing it to carry electric current with no energy loss.

This rare dual behavior, topological structure combined with superconductivity, positions the material as a strong candidate for use in topological superconductors.

These systems could enable more stable quantum computing platforms and enhance power transmission efficiency.

The researchers adjusted various compositions to optimize the material’s performance.

Their goal was to enhance both its structural and quantum features through precise chemical design.

Bridging theory and experiment for future breakthroughs

To validate their experimental results, the team used first-principles theoretical calculations. The models closely matched the lab data, confirming the material’s electronic topology and reinforcing the results.

By uncovering and tuning this new Kramers nodal line metal, the researchers advanced understanding of quantum materials and moved closer to developing next-generation energy-saving technologies.

“This groundbreaking work exemplifies the spirit of innovation that defines the Smalley-Curl Institute,” said Junichiro Kono, director of the institute and co-author of the study. “It advances our mission to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration across many fields, bringing together physics, materials science and engineering to explore new quantum behaviors in matter.”

“There is still much to explore, and we are excited about the future possibilities that this new material presents,” added Yuxiang Gao, a doctoral student and co-first author.

The study is published in the journal Nature Communications.