Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have discovered a new quantum effect called the “quantum umbilical cord”. This phenomenon interconnects the energy states of metals and insulators and, as it turns out, is inherent in many materials. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications (NatCom).
Electrons in atoms and solids can only have certain energy levels. In metals, these energy states are connected by bands, allowing electrons to move freely and conduct current. In insulators, there are forbidden zones between these bands that electrons cannot pass through.
Scientists have shown that by changing the strength of the interaction between electrons in a material (for example, by adding atoms of other elements), a new state can arise. An energy band splits in two, but they initially remain connected by a sort of “umbilical cord.”
“We discovered that when two energy bands are separated from each other, they still remain connected via an umbilical cord-like quantum connection,” explained Professor Carsten Held.
This effect explains the anomalies previously noted in experiments with the materials. Scientists have discovered that the “quantum umbilical cord” is not an exceptional phenomenon, but a natural effect that occurs under certain conditions.
“The discovery of this effect shows that there is a deeper connection between conductors and insulators than we thought,” Held added.
The results of the study create new opportunities for the investigation of materials with unique properties, for example, the creation of high-efficiency semiconductors. At the same time, the “quantum umbilical cord” effect can be considered as a new class of situations that may play a key role in the development of electronics.
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Source: Gazeta
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