The findings could revolutionize electronics and quantum computing.
A breakthrough in a topological insulator material, which possesses insulating properties internally but conductive properties on the surface, has the potential to transform the realms of advanced electronics and Discovered in the 1980s, a topological material is a new phase of material whose discoverers received a Nobel Prize in 2016. Using only an electric field, ORNL researchers have transformed a normal insulator into a magnetic topological insulator. This exotic material allows electricity to flow across its surface and edges with no energy dissipation. The electric field induces a change in the state of matter.
“The research could result in many practical applications, such as next-generation electronics, spintronics, and quantum computing,” said ORNL’s Mina Yoon, who led the study.
Such matter could lead to high-speed, low-power electronics that burn less energy and operate faster than current silicon-based electronics. The ORNL scientists published their findings in 2D Materials.
Reference: “Non-volatile electric control of magnetic and topological properties of MnBi2Te4 thin films” by Wei Luo, Mao-Hua Du, Fernando A Reboredo and Mina Yoon, 28 April 2023, 2D Materials.
DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/accaf7
The study was funded by Basic Energy Sciences and the Quantum Science Center.