Today’s technology, from computer chips to camera image sensors, relies heavily on silicon semiconductors, which have been shrinking for decades. However, physical limitations will soon halt further advancements. Consequently, scientists and engineers are developing a new generation of technology based on quantum mechanics. Electrons in “quantum materials” exhibit unique behaviors, such as magnetism and superconductivity, which are crucial for future quantum technologies.
Dean characterizes quantum materials using a technique called resonant inelastic X-ray scattering, or RIXS. RIXS is particularly suited for probing samples as thin as one atomic layer and material states that change very rapidly. And with recent technological developments, researchers expect this technique to enable studies that were unthinkable only five years ago.
This progress gave Dean and three colleagues — Matteo Mitrano, Steven Johnston, and Young-June Kim — the impetus to chart where the field is going as a whole. So, they summarized the technique’s state of the art and how they expect the field to progress in a Perspective paper.
For more information: Physical Review X
Image: The graphic illustrates an ultrabright X-ray striking a quantum material’s electrons (gray circles) and scattering off the sample. In this example, the X-ray’s energy change will provide insight into an electron property called spin, represented by the arrows. (Brad Baxley/Part to Whole LLC)
