Unconventional Superconductor CeRh2As2: A Quantum Superstar
The research conducted by Elena Hassinger, an expert in low-temperature physics working at ct.qmat—Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter (a joint initiative by two universities in Würzburg and Dresden), has always been synonymous with extreme cold.
In 2021, she discovered the unconventional superconductor cerium-rhodium-arsenic CeRh2As2). Superconductors normally have just one phase of resistance-free electron transport, which occurs below a certain critical temperature. However, as reported in the academic journal Science, CeRh2As2 is so far the only quantum material to boast two certain superconducting states.
Lossless current conduction in superconductors has remained a central focus in solid-state physics for decades and has emerged as a significant prospect for the future of power engineering. The discovery of a second superconducting phase in CeRh2As2, which results from an asymmetric crystal structure around the cerium
“If we can confirm the theoretical predictions of topological surface states on my cerium-rhodium-arsenic compound in the laboratory, this could pave the way for the creation of topological quantum bits (qubits). This would be a huge step forward,” Hassinger explains.
Huge Potential for Topological Quantum Computing
Topological qubits are known for their robustness, offering quantum states that are significantly more stable compared to their non-topological counterparts. One of the biggest challenges in current research is developing a method to sustain 1,000 qubits simultaneously.
Achieving this would enable quantum processors to complete tasks in a matter of minutes that would take conventional supercomputers years. This is why the brilliant minds at ct.qmat are concentrating on research into topological quantum materials.
Groundbreaking Research under Extreme Laboratory Conditions
In her quest to investigate the unconventional superconductor cerium-rhodium-arsenic, Hassinger first needs a cryostat to cool the material sample to below 0.35 Kelvin (–272.8 degrees DOI: 10.1126/science.abe7518