As global demand for faster computing and sustainable energy solutions rises, the need for powerful yet energy-efficient electronic devices grows more urgent. <\/p>\n
From smartphones and data centers to electric vehicles and next-generation quantum systems, the technology that powers daily life consumes enormous energy.<\/p>\n
Reducing that footprint without sacrificing performance is a challenge researchers are racing to solve.<\/p>\n
Physicists at Rice University have now taken a major step in that direction.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The material, a Kramers nodal line metal, was created by fine-tuning its atomic structure through precise chemical changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur work provides a clear path for discovering and designing new quantum materials with desirable properties for future electronics,\u201d said Yi, associate professor of physics and astronomy.<\/p>\n
Unlocking new behavior by altering symmetry<\/p>\n
The Rice team engineered the material by introducing trace amounts of indium into tantalum disulfide (TaS\u2082), a layered compound. <\/p>\n
This minor tweak triggered a shift in the crystal\u2019s symmetry, which produced highly unusual electronic behavior.<\/p>\n
The key discovery was a rare pattern of electron flow known as Kramers nodal line behavior.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
These paths remained distinct until they converged at the nodal line, a protected state that enables unusual conduction properties.<\/p>\n
\u201cDesigning a material to meet the stringent symmetry conditions necessary for these special properties was challenging, but the outcomes have been rewarding,\u201d said Morosan, who is also a professor of electrical and computer engineering and chemistry, and director of the Rice Center for Quantum Materials.<\/p>\n
A material that resists energy loss<\/p>\n
In addition to its topological traits, the new material showed superconducting properties, allowing it to carry electric current with no energy loss. <\/p>\n
This rare dual behavior, topological structure combined with superconductivity, positions the material as a strong candidate for use in topological superconductors. <\/p>\n
These systems could enable more stable quantum computing platforms and enhance power transmission efficiency.<\/p>\n
The researchers adjusted various compositions to optimize the material\u2019s performance. <\/p>\n
Their goal was to enhance both its structural and quantum<\/a> features through precise chemical design.<\/p>\n Bridging theory and experiment for future breakthroughs<\/p>\n To validate their experimental results, the team used first-principles theoretical calculations. The models closely matched the lab data, confirming the material\u2019s electronic topology and reinforcing the results.<\/p>\n By uncovering and tuning this new Kramers nodal line metal, the researchers advanced understanding of quantum materials<\/a> and moved closer to developing next-generation energy-saving technologies.<\/p>\n \u201cThis groundbreaking work exemplifies the spirit of innovation that defines the Smalley-Curl Institute,\u201d said Junichiro Kono, director of the institute and co-author of the study. \u201cIt advances our mission to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration across many fields, bringing together physics, materials science and engineering<\/a> to explore new quantum behaviors in matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is still much to explore, and we are excited about the future possibilities that this new material presents,\u201d added Yuxiang Gao, a doctoral student and co-first author.<\/p>\n