Astronomy, Stellar, Planetary News
TIME AND SPACE
Physicists confirm elusive quantum spin liquid in new study
illustration only
Physicists confirm elusive quantum spin liquid in new study
by Marcy de Luna for Rice News
Houston TX (SPX) Jun 26, 2025

An international team of scientists led by Rice University's Pengcheng Dai has confirmed the existence of emergent photons and fractionalized spin excitations in a rare quantum spin liquid. Published in Nature Physics on June 19, their findings identify the crystalline compound cerium zirconium oxide (Ce2Zr2O7) as a clear, 3D realization of this exotic state of matter.

Long a subject of theoretical intrigue, quantum spin liquids offer promise for revolutionary technologies, including quantum computing and dissipationless energy transmission. By refusing to conform to traditional magnetic behavior, these materials realize emergent quantum electrodynamics via highly quantum-entangled motions of magnetic moments at temperatures near absolute zero.

"We've answered a major open question by directly detecting these excitations," said Dai, the Sam and Helen Worden Professor of Physics and Astronomy. "This confirms that Ce2Zr2O7 behaves as a true quantum spin ice, a special class of quantum spin liquids in three dimensions."

Experimental clarity in a noisy field

The research team used state-of-the-art polarized neutron scattering techniques to isolate and identify the telltale signs of quantum spin liquid behavior. These tools allowed them to separate magnetic scattering from all other signals, even in the zero temperature limit.

Meanwhile, the measurements enabled them to discover emergent photon signals near zero energy - a key feature distinguishing quantum spin ice from other conventional phases in ordinary magnets. Complementary measurements of the compound's specific heat provided further support, suggesting that the predicted emergent photons have a dispersion similar to how sound travels in a solid.

Technical noise and incomplete data often hindered earlier efforts to validate such behavior. The Rice-led research team overcame these barriers through refined sample preparation and precision instruments, including international collaboration from major labs in Europe and North America.

A scientific first with a far-reaching impact

Notably, emergent photons and spinons - hallmarks of quantum spin ice - were observed in a 3D candidate material. The researchers' discovery settles a long-standing debate in condensed matter physics and provides a robust platform for exploring next-generation technologies.

This foundational result validates decades of theoretical predictions, said Bin Gao, a research scientist in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice and the study's first author.

"This surprising result encourages scientists to look deeper into such unique materials, potentially changing how we understand magnets and the behavior of materials in the extreme quantum regime," Gao said.

Research Report:Neutron scattering and thermodynamic evidence for emergent photons and fractionalization in a pyrochlore spin ice

Related Links
Rice University
Understanding Time and Space

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
TIME AND SPACE
Decades-old mystery of AlCl dipole moment resolved
Riverside CA (SPX) Jun 12, 2025
In a study that closes a long-standing knowledge gap in fundamental science, researchers Boerge Hemmerling and Stephen Kane at the University of California, Riverside, have successfully measured the electric dipole moment of aluminum monochloride (AlCl), a simple yet scientifically crucial diatomic molecule. Their results, published in Physical Review A, have implications for quantum technologies, astrophysics, and planetary science. Until now, the dipole moment of AlCl was only estimated, with no ... read more

TIME AND SPACE
Unexpected Dust Patterns Found on Uranus Moons Confound Scientists

SwRI study shows Europa's icy surface constantly reshaping

The hunt for mysterious 'Planet Nine' offers up a surprise

Jupiter Was Formerly Twice Its Current Size and Had a Much Stronger Magnetic Field

TIME AND SPACE
TIME AND SPACE
Discovery of giant planet orbiting tiny star challenges theories on planet formation

Silicate clouds discovered in atmosphere of distant exoplanet

Space pebbles and rocks play pivotal role in giant planet's formation

Huge planet discovered orbiting tiny star puzzles scientists

TIME AND SPACE
Volcanic discovery at Jezero Crater could reshape timeline of Mars

NASA Mars Orbiter Captures Volcano Peeking Above Morning Cloud Tops

Renowned Mars expert says Trump-Musk axis risks dooming mission

The promise and peril of a crewed Mars mission

TIME AND SPACE
Why the moon shimmers with shiny glass beads

Japanese company aborts Moon mission after assumed crash-landing

ESA supports Moon mission carrying first European rover

Sierra Space Wins NASA Contract to Advance Lunar Logistics Solutions

TIME AND SPACE
UAH researcher unveils new map of Milky Way galaxy in atomic hydrogen

Where did cosmic rays come from? MSU astrophysicists are closer to finding out

NASA's IMAP Spacecraft Readied for Launch Preparations

Milky Way may not be destroyed in galactic smash-up after all

TIME AND SPACE
Space lasers, AI used by geospatial scientist to measure forest biomass

NASA's Ready-to-Use Dataset Details Land Motion Across North America

China expands disaster monitoring with launch of Zhangheng 1B satellite

BlackSky Gen-3 delivers very hi-res imagery at warfighting speed - 12 hours after launch

TIME AND SPACE
ESA Flyeye telescope begins full sky survey for asteroid detection

Millions of new solar system objects to be found and 'filmed in technicolor'

China launches Tianwen-2 asteroid and comet study mission

China launches space probe seeking asteroid samples: Xinhua

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.