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2024-11-11

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Quantum Breakthrough: Scientists Discover First One-Dimensional Topological Insulator (scitechdaily.com)

submitted 2 months ago by yamaonan to c/science

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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.

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[–] yamaonan 49 points 2 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 24 points 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.