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Physicists trap electron waves in a metal for the first time
Columbia University researchers reported in Science that quantum interference trapped waves of electrons in place in the metal Pd5AlI2, the first time this has been observed in a metal. The effect had been theorized since quantum mechanics described electrons as waves a century ago.
Why it matters
Controlling electron waves in metals could inform the design of new electronic and quantum materials.
Background
Quantum interference can cause waves to cancel or localize. Such trapping had been seen in other systems but not directly in a metal.
Sources
- Phys.org ↗Oct 22, 2:00 PM ET
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