Researchers at NIST have discovered unexpected quantum behavior in graphene’s electron states when exposed to extreme low temperatures and high magnetic fields. The electrons in graphene, a single-atom-thick carbon material, act like massless particles with extremely high mobility.
Using their new ultra-sensitive scanning-probe microscope, the team observed that a predicted quartet of energy levels split into more complex states under these conditions. This “many-body effect” suggests electrons may form a coordinated condensate, potentially enabling smaller, more energy-efficient electronic devices based on graphene.
The research, published in Nature, could advance applications in high-speed electronics and sensors by better understanding electron behavior in graphene.
Keywords: Graphene, Electron, Magnetic, Quantum, Energy
