All articles tagged with #insulators
Physicists have discovered that quantum oscillations, previously observed only on the surface of certain materials, actually originate from the bulk of these insulators, challenging existing understanding and opening new questions in quantum physics, though practical applications remain uncertain.
Researchers using strong magnetic fields have discovered that quantum oscillations in a certain insulator originate from its bulk, challenging previous surface-based assumptions and exploring a new duality in material behavior, though practical applications remain uncertain.
A new study led by University at Buffalo physics professor Jong Han offers insights into the process of resistive switching, where insulators can transition into conductors under an electric field. The study proposes a "quantum avalanche" mechanism, where a relatively small electric field can trigger a collapse of the energy gap between the lower and upper bands of an insulator, allowing electrons to move between them. This finding challenges the long-standing Landau-Zener formula and provides clarity on the debate surrounding insulator-to-metal transitions. The research has implications for microelectronics and could contribute to the development of compact memories and neuromorphic computing technologies.