Scientists have identified a one-dimensional topological insulator that could revolutionize quantum computing and solar cell efficiency. This groundbreaking discovery paves the way for advancements in quantum computing and solar cell efficiency.
Can anyone ELI5?
From what I gather, past insulator discoveries allowed electron flow in three or two dimensions, but this new discovery only allows flow in one dimension. I think of it like plumbing, where you have a tee, and the water (electrons) travel through the pipe in three directions (dimensions). Restricting the flow of electrons allows for better focus/flow, which makes for more precise electronic engineering methods.
An EE might be able to elaborate better than my crappy plumbing analogy.
Sort of, yeah. As I read it, in a regular conductor, electrons move around on the surface basically however they want. But we developed a process where on a 2D conductor, like a piece of aluminum foil, we could get the electrons to only move along the edges. Now they’ve extended that where, by making helical (spiral spring-shaped) strands of tellurium, they can make the electrons flow directionally along those helices. There’s a pretty good illustration from the authors of the paper in the article.
If people say this is applicable to stuff like quantum computing and solar panels, I believe them, but I don’t know enough to say how or why.
It will make Quantum Computers less complex, and solar cells thinner and more dense.
I gave up halfway because I’m just not gonna understand, but this is very exciting news - at least it appears to be.
They built a chain of tellurium instead of a cube or a sheet of it and cut it using a new very accurate technique to be 1 atom wide chain. They verified the endpoints are cut cleanly with radio image microscopy I think.
…ringworld, johnny mnemonic, and cube all taught me that monofilament is material to be feared…
You should check out The Three Body Problem too.
Once again, that’s over my head. I appreciate you adding context. Thanks! I have slightly more understanding of what this means.
That’s the best kind of science article. No catchy headline & too complicated even in a summary
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