Decoding the Enigmatic Nature of Quantum Spin Liquids

Researchers have confirmed the presence of quantum spin liquid (QSL) behavior in a new material called KYbSe2, which has a layered triangular lattice structure. QSLs are a unique state of matter controlled by interactions among entangled magnetic atoms called spins. The discovery of QSL behavior in KYbSe2 opens up possibilities for the development of high-quality superconductors and quantum computing components. The researchers used a combination of theoretical, experimental, and computational techniques to observe the hallmarks of QSLs in the material. While KYbSe2 is not a true QSL, it has the potential to become one with slight alterations to its structure or exposure to external pressure. The findings provide a protocol that can be applied to study other systems and accelerate the search for genuine QSLs.