NTU Researchers Unlock New Insights into Quantum Properties of Topological Materials

Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the quantum properties of topological materials, uncovering new insights that could pave the way for revolutionary technological advancements.

Topological materials are a special class of quantum substances where electrons can only move along the surface, while the material’s interior remains insulating. Despite their potential, the quantum behaviour of these materials has been largely unexplored—until now. A new study, co-led by Assistant Professor Chang Guoqing from NTU’s School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, has shed light on these behaviours, offering fresh perspectives on their capabilities.

The research, published in Nature Physics under the title Tunable Topologically Driven Fermi Arc Van Hove Singularities, focused on two specific topological materials: rhodium monosilicide (RhSi) and cobalt monosilicide (CoSi). The team discovered two distinct types of van Hove singularities within these materials. These singularities are energy points where strong interactions between particles, such as electrons, occur, leading to unusual and promising quantum properties.

Crucially, the research revealed that these singularities are positioned near the Fermi level—the highest energy level electrons can occupy at absolute zero. When van Hove singularities align with the Fermi level, the materials become more likely to exhibit remarkable quantum effects, such as high-temperature superconductivity and ferromagnetism. These traits hold immense potential for future technologies, from energy-efficient electronics to next-generation quantum computing systems.

Another important finding was the ability to fine-tune the energy levels of these singularities by introducing metal atoms into the materials. This level of control opens up exciting possibilities for designing quantum materials with custom properties that could be tailored to meet the demands of specific applications.

“Our research marks a significant step forward in exploring quantum materials with unique properties, which could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as computation and energy,” said Assistant Professor Chang.

This study represents a vital step towards unlocking the full potential of quantum materials, highlighting the critical role of fundamental research in driving the innovation of next-generation technologies. With these new findings, the field is now one step closer to harnessing the power of topological materials for future technological advancements.