Physicists studying have detected counter propagating channels in two layered graphene along which certain neutral quasiparticles move in opposite directions breaking conventional norms.
- The detection has potential to shape the future quantum computation.
- When a strong magnetic field is applied to a 2D material or gas, the electrons at the interface are free to move along the edges in what are called edge modes or channels – somewhat similar to highway lanes.
- This phenomenon called the quantum Hall effect has given rise to a platform for hosting exotic emerging quasiparticles, with properties that could lead to exciting applications in area of quantum computing.
- For conventional electrons, the current flows only in one direction dictated by the magnetic field (‘downstream’).
- In a new study, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have provided “smoking gun” evidence for the presence of upstream modes along which certain neutral quasiparticles move in two-layered graphene.
- To detect these modes or channels, the team used a novel method employing electrical noise – fluctuations in the output signal caused by heat dissipation.
What is quantum Hall effect ?
- The quantum Hall effect describes the process through which electrical resistance can be precisely measured in layers of material a few atoms thick.
What is Graphene?
- Graphene is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms, tightly bound in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice.
- It is an allotrope of carbon in the form of a plane of sp2-bonded atoms with a molecular bond length of 0.142 nanometres.
- Graphene is the thinnest compound known to man at one atom thick, the lightest material known, the strongest compound discovered (between 100-300 times stronger than steel), the best conductor of heat at room temperature and also the best conductor of electricity known.
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