By using magnetic fields, the researchers were able to induce and detect Wigner crystals-orderly assemblies of electrons.
To create and examine a Wigner crystal structure, the scientists used a powerful magnetic field around a readied sample of graphene. Graphene is a preparation of carbon atoms that's just one atom thick, which gives it properties that make it a highly prized tool in the study of microscopic and quantum phenomena. It can be flat, rolled into tubes, wrapped around things, and-in this case-arranged in a double layer. When the magnetic field was applied, each carbon atom's four electrons were put into play and formed triangular Wigner crystals.
This story is from the September - October 2024 edition of Popular Mechanics US.
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This story is from the September - October 2024 edition of Popular Mechanics US.
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