For centuries, magnetism has captivated human fascination and paved the way for numerous technological advancements. The generation of electric currents and the alignment of magnetic moments in materials have been the primary explanations for the existence of magnetism. However, an international team of researchers led by Professor Andrej Pustogow from TU Wien has recently achieved a groundbreaking feat – the ability to continuously change the type of magnetism in a crystal. By simply applying pressure, they were able to alter the magnetic interactions within the crystal and revolutionize the field of magnetism. Published in Physical Review Letters, this research opens new avenues for secure data storage and the development of quantum computers.
While ferromagnetism, the alignment of electron spins in the same direction, has been extensively studied, researchers are now shifting their focus towards exploring other forms of magnetism. These alternative forms hold immense potential for various technological applications. However, discovering and controlling them is an incredibly challenging task. In crystal structures with triangular, kagome, or honeycomb lattices, known as “geometrical frustration,” electron spins are arranged in a way that results in multiple identical alternatives. This geometric frustration gives rise to randomly arranged spin pairs, with some spins remaining unpaired. Manipulating these unpaired magnetic moments could potentially revolutionize data storage and computational operations in quantum computers.
Obtaining precise control over crystal lattice symmetry and magnetic properties is a critical prerequisite for achieving ideal frustration. While materials with strong geometrical frustration can be synthesized, the ability to continuously change from weak to strong frustration and vice versa has remained elusive, especially within a single crystal. This difficulty has hindered the progress of research in this field, preventing the realization of the full potential of magnetism.
In their groundbreaking study, the research team tackled this challenge by applying mechanical pressure to the crystal, thereby altering its magnetic properties. By subjecting the crystal to uniaxial stress, the researchers deformed the lattice structure and manipulated the magnetic interactions between electrons. This applied pressure forced the system into a preferred magnetic direction, reducing the geometrical frustration. Drawing a parallel to real-life scenarios, stress relieved the frustration by imposing a decision, eliminating the need for the system to make it on its own.
The results of the research were remarkable. By increasing the temperature of the magnetic phase transition by over 10%, the team demonstrated the potential of their approach. Although this percentage might seem modest at first glance, it holds immense significance. To put it into perspective, if the freezing point of water were increased by 10%, it would freeze at 27°C, causing far-reaching consequences. This breakthrough achievement paves the way for manipulating material properties through the application of mechanical pressure, offering unprecedented control over magnetism.
While the reduction of geometrical frustration through mechanical pressure was a remarkable accomplishment, the research team is now focused on increasing this frustration. Their aim is to eliminate antiferromagnetism entirely and actualize a quantum spin liquid. The ability to actively control geometrical frustration through uniaxial mechanical stress holds the potential for groundbreaking manipulation of material properties, offering scientists the power to shape the future of magnetism.
The success of this research opens up a world of possibilities. Secure data storage and quantum computers, operating on the principles of quantum spin liquids, could become a reality in the foreseeable future. The ability to modify magnetism with ease through the application of pressure brings us one step closer to harnessing the true potential of magnetism in technology. As we continue to venture into uncharted territory, the power to change magnetism “by pushing a button” may become a defining characteristic of our scientific advancements.
The ability to continuously change the type of magnetism within a crystal through pressure marks a significant breakthrough in the field of magnetism. Led by Professor Andrej Pustogow, a team of international researchers has achieved an unprecedented feat, revolutionizing our understanding of magnetism and its potential applications. By manipulating geometrical frustration, they have revealed a path towards secure data storage and the development of quantum computers. The power to control magnetism through the application of mechanical pressure presents scientists with opportunities beyond their imagination. As we unlock the mysteries of magnetism, we unlock the door to a future shaped by the power of pushing a button.
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