Single-dimensional data storage achievable through novel magnetic switching in quantum 'wonder material'
Scientists have made a breakthrough in the realm of quantum materials, discovering a unique way to tap into the power of magnetism for storing quantum information. This development, achieved by utilizing a material similar to filo pastry in structure, could lead to more viable quantum computing and sensing due to the preservation of quantum states for prolonged periods.
The specialized material they have found success with is chromium sulfide bromide, which exhibits multiple properties suitable for various types of information storage, including electric charge, photons, magnetism, and even phonons (sound vibrations). One such intriguing aspect of chromium sulfide bromide is the creation of excitons—quasi-particles formed when an electron and its corresponding hole become bound together.
Intriguingly, these excitons in chromium sulfide bromide have the potential to align in a straight line at low temperatures, displaying unusual magnetic properties. As the material warms, it switches from a magnetic to a non-magnetic state, causing the excitons to expand over multiple layers. However, when the material is just one atomic layer thick, the excitons remain confined to a single dimension, potentially allowing quantum information to be stored longer, reducing the likelihood of decoherence (loss of quantum information due to interference).
Recent research published in Nature Materials has shown that by firing rapid pulses of infrared light, scientists can produce excitons in chromium sulfide bromide. They then manipulated the excitons to create two distinct energy states. By adjusting the direction of the less energetic pulses, the research team discovered they could confine the excitons to a single line or expand them into three dimensions, ultimately determining their longevity.
Professor Rupert Huber, a co-author from the University of Regensburg in Germany, emphasized the significance of the magnetic order for shaping excitons, potentially revolutionizing future electronics and information technology. The research team is now eager to explore whether these excitons can be converted to magnetic excitations within the material's electronic spin, which could facilitate the conversion of quantum information between various subatomic particles.
By harnessing the material's capabilities in various information storage methods, the long-term vision is to develop quantum machines and devices that utilize photons, electrons, magnetism, and phonons, creating a comprehensive system for information processing and storage.
Science and technology intertwine in the exploration of chromium sulfide bromide, a material exhibiting suitable properties for diverse information storage methods. The alignment of excitons in this material at low temperatures, showcasing unusual magnetic properties, has the potential to revolutionize future electronics and information technology, especially in the realm of quantum computing and sensing due to the preservation of quantum states for prolonged periods.
