Physicists at Ehime University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of Dirac electrons, a unique type of electron that behaves like photons and oscillates at the speed of light. Led by Ryuhei Oka, the researchers isolated the behavior of Dirac electrons in a superconducting polymer called bis(ethylenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene.
Dirac electrons are known for their effectively massless nature, a characteristic that allows them to exhibit remarkable properties. This latest finding sheds new light on the behavior of Dirac electrons in topological materials, which are quantum materials with insulating properties on the inside and conducting properties on the outside.
The study of superconductors, semiconductors, and topological materials has gained significance due to their potential applications in quantum computing. Dirac electrons, first conceptualized by theoretical physicist Paul Dirac, have been previously observed in graphene and other topological materials.
Using electron spin resonance, Oka and his team were able to detect and observe Dirac electrons in bis(ethylenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene. Their research revealed that a comprehensive understanding of Dirac electrons requires describing them in four dimensions, including the standard spatial dimensions and the energy level of the electron.
The researchers further found that the speed of motion of Dirac electrons is influenced by temperature and the angle of the magnetic field within the material. This new insight into Dirac electrons could potentially lead to advancements in technology by harnessing their unique properties. The results of the study have been published in Materials Advances, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on Dirac electrons and their potential applications.
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