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.

    • yamaonan@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 months ago

      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.

      • catloaf@lemm.ee
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        2 months ago

        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.

  • some_guy@lemmy.sdf.org
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    2 months ago

    I gave up halfway because I’m just not gonna understand, but this is very exciting news - at least it appears to be.

    • Dkarma@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      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.

      • ...m...@ttrpg.network
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        2 months ago

        …ringworld, johnny mnemonic, and cube all taught me that monofilament is material to be feared…

      • some_guy@lemmy.sdf.org
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        2 months ago

        Once again, that’s over my head. I appreciate you adding context. Thanks! I have slightly more understanding of what this means.

    • Lung@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      That’s the best kind of science article. No catchy headline & too complicated even in a summary