A New Kind of Magnetism When we think about magnetism, most of us consider 2 fundamental states: ferromagnetism, associated with objects such as bar magnets and compasses, and antiferromagnetism, where the magnetic fields of ions within a metal/alloy cancel each other out. But now, welcome a third state to the mix!  The experimental work of a team of researchers from MIT has show the existence of this third state which is called a quantum spin liquid (QSL). To grasp the concept of a QSL, think of a liquid. The molecules within a liquid are constantly moving and changing direction in a seemingly random fashion. In the same way, the magnetic orientation of particles in a QSL are constantly changing direction. The nature of the research is very fundamental to our understanding of quantum phenomena and, although it is unlikely to show any immediate practical uses, there is hope that it will be of great use in the study of quantum entanglement. Ah, one last quirky thing I forgot to mention. The material that exhibits this new state is the crystal of a mineral called herbertsmithite. (No prizes for guessing who discovered it…)
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A New Kind of Magnetism

When we think about magnetism, most of us consider 2 fundamental states: ferromagnetism, associated with objects such as bar magnets and compasses, and antiferromagnetism, where the magnetic fields of ions within a metal/alloy cancel each other out. But now, welcome a third state to the mix! 

The experimental work of a team of researchers from MIT has show the existence of this third state which is called a quantum spin liquid (QSL). To grasp the concept of a QSL, think of a liquid. The molecules within a liquid are constantly moving and changing direction in a seemingly random fashion. In the same way, the magnetic orientation of particles in a QSL are constantly changing direction.

The nature of the research is very fundamental to our understanding of quantum phenomena and, although it is unlikely to show any immediate practical uses, there is hope that it will be of great use in the study of quantum entanglement.

Ah, one last quirky thing I forgot to mention. The material that exhibits this new state is the crystal of a mineral called herbertsmithite. (No prizes for guessing who discovered it…)

Source: web.mit.edu

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