News - Researchers Transform Superfluid to Supersolid in Quantum Leap

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have observed a phase transition from a superfluid to a supersolid using quasiparticles known as excitons within a bilayer of graphene. This significant discovery, led by scientists from Columbia University and the University of Texas at Austin, marks a milestone in the exploration of quantum states. Supersolids display the unique properties of having both an organized crystalline structure, like that of a solid, alongside the frictionless flow typical of superfluids. Such transformation had not been seen in naturally-occurring elements before, where previous studies often relied on artificial methods like lasers. By employing a single-atom thick sheet of graphene and manipulating its layers to contain excess electrons and holes, the team observed excitons act as a superfluid. Upon reducing density, these excitons transitioned to an insulating state and intriguingly reverted back to superfluids upon further temperature adjustments. Though the study brings superfluids into closer interaction with real-world applications by suggesting potentially higher temperature phenomena, it also presents a challenge in discerning whether this new phase qualifies strictly as a supersolid or should be classified as an excitonic superfluid. As researchers advance, they continue to develop tools to directly measure these quantum states to expand their understanding further. These advancements could parallel those found in superconductor technologies, promising new horizons in energy-efficient and cutting-edge material science.