By Pranjal Malewar Published: January 15, 2026
Collected at: https://www.techexplorist.com/new-quantum-state-matter-power-future-technologies/101850/
Quantum criticality is a state in which electrons fluctuate between different phases, and electronic topology is a form of quantum organization based on electron wave behavior.
A new study, co-led by Rice University’s Qimiao Si, brings these two together and discovered a new quantum state of matter. Researchers found that strongly interacting electrons can generate topological behaviour, a new way for technologies to use this quantum state in real-world applications.
Lei Chen, co-first author of the study and a graduate student at Rice, said, “By merging these fields, we ventured into uncharted territory. We were surprised to find that the quantum criticality itself could generate topological behavior, especially in a setting with strong interactions.”
For this study, they developed a theoretical model, the Weyl–Kondo semimetal model at a Kondo destruction quantum critical point. The model predicted electron behavior in both strong interactions and topological effects.
They used the non-centrosymmetric heavy-fermion material CeRu4Sn6, a natural quantum-critical system, to show that the topological phase exhibits a dome-shaped structure as a function of magnetic field and pressure. The electrons in the materials behaved much more like heavy particles due to interactions, showing signs of the new topological quantum state.
The relationship between quantum criticality and topology could transform quantum technology. They could use it to develop highly sensitive and durable devices, as well as qualities vital to computing, sensing, and low-power electronics.
Researchers think that this hybrid state could be very valuable for managing quantum behavior; both effects are associated with superconductivity and extreme sensitivity to external signals. They could lead to designing quantum materials with advanced features.
“The findings address a gap in condensed matter physics by demonstrating that strong electron interactions can give rise to topological states rather than destroy them,” Si said. “Additionally, they reveal a new quantum state with substantial practical significance.”
Researchers are not stopping here. They plan to study this new state of matter in more detail, hoping to uncover additional unusual quantum behaviors.
Journal Reference:
- Kirschbaum, D.M., Chen, L., Zocco, D.A. et al. Emergent topological semimetal from quantum criticality. Nat. Phys. (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-03135-w
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