Quantum materials are a class of materials whose physical properties in the macroscopic scale are governed primarily by the principles of quantum mechanics. One of the great successes of quantum mechanics founded a century ago was to explain the behavior of all materials on the microscopic scale, from the behavior of the constituent atoms and their collections.
In addition, some materials show macroscopic quantum properties emerging from interactions between the electrons and resulting many-particle correlations. Key features of such materials are the correlated electronic phases, quantum entanglement between the electrons and topological phases and responses. Examples include superconductors, topological insulators, quantum magnets, and two-dimensional materials like graphene.
These unusual properties give rise to extraordinary electrical, magnetic, and optical behaviors that are not only scientifically fascinating but also technologically transformative. In recent years, quantum materials have become a cornerstone of modern condensed matter physics and a driving force behind emerging technologies such as quantum computing, advanced electronics, and energy-efficient systems.
Types of Quantum Materials
Superconductors
Superconductors are quantum materials that conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance below a critical temperature. In this state, electrons form pairs known as Cooper pairs and move through the material without energy loss. Superconductors are widely used in medical imaging technologies such as MRI scanners, in particle accelerators, and in magnetic levitation trains. They are also a leading platform for building quantum computers using superconducting qubits.
The holy grail of today's research is to increase the operating temperature of superconductivity towards the room temperature. The means of doing this is via an improved understanding of the mechanisms leading to superconductivity, also studied in QMAT.
Topological Insulators
Topological insulators are materials that behave as insulators in their interior while allowing electrons to move freely on their surface. These surface states are protected by quantum mechanical principles, making them resistant to defects and impurities. Because of this robustness, topological insulators are promising candidates for low-power electronics, spintronic devices, and stable quantum computing systems.
Quantum Spin Liquids
Quantum spin liquids are materials in which magnetic moments remain in a fluid-like, disordered state even at extremely low temperatures. Instead of forming a regular magnetic pattern, the spins remain highly entangled. These materials are of great interest for fundamental physics research and may play a crucial role in developing fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Two-Dimensional Quantum Materials
Two-dimensional quantum materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, consist of layers only one or a few atoms thick. These materials exhibit exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and optical properties. Their quantum behavior makes them suitable for ultra-fast electronics, flexible devices, sensors, and advanced energy storage technologies.
Since different two-dimensional materials host different types of correlated states such as superconductivity, magnetism or ferroelectricity, their combinations allows realizing new types of electronic and optical functionalities that can be used for new applications. Moreover, twisting neighbouring two-dimensional layers leads to changes in their electronic properties, allowing for further engineering of these functionalities.
Applications of Quantum Materials
Strongly Correlated Electron Materials
In strongly correlated materials, interactions between electrons dominate their behavior, leading to complex phenomena such as unconventional superconductivity and metal–insulator transitions. These materials are essential for understanding high-temperature superconductors and may lead to the development of next-generation electronic devices that operate with minimal energy consumption.
Quantum materials have far-reaching applications across multiple fields. In quantum computing, they provide the physical foundation for qubits, enabling computation far beyond the capabilities of classical computers. In the energy sector, superconductors offer the possibility of lossless power transmission, while quantum materials enhance battery performance and solar cell efficiency. In electronics, quantum materials promise faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient devices, potentially replacing traditional silicon-based technologies.
Additionally, quantum materials are vital in medical technology, particularly in imaging and diagnostics, where superconducting magnets enable precise and powerful scans. They are also used in highly sensitive sensors capable of detecting minute changes in magnetic fields, temperature, or radiation, which is valuable in scientific research and national security.
Future Prospects
The study of quantum materials is still an evolving field, with many discoveries yet to be made. Advances in material synthesis, nanotechnology, computational modeling and new theory ideas such as those arising from quantum information theory are accelerating research and bringing practical applications closer to reality.
The overall goal of QMAT is to lay the foundation for future generations of hybrid quantum materials and their use as platforms for novel devices with the potential to transform the landscape of emerging and future technologies.
Our vision is to exploit and benefit the development of quantum information and technologies: both using them as tools to characterize quantum materials and developing quantum materials as platforms for new quantum and classical technology. We will explore new strategies to design, probe, and engineer quantum materials. We will combine theory, machine learning, and new ways of preparing and characterizing materials to tackle this challenge, leveraging the leading expertise of the QMAT scientists.