ANN ARBOR—Quantum materials are a type of odd substance that could be many times more efficient at conducting electricity through our iPhones than the commonly used conductor silicon—if only physicists can crack how the stuff works.

A University of Michigan physicist has gotten one step closer with detailing a novel quantum material, ytterbium dodecaboride, or YbB12, and imaging how efficiently electricity is conducted through this material. The demonstration of this material’s conductivity will help contribute to scientists’ understanding of the spin, charge, and energy flow in these electromagnetic materials.

You may find the rest of the story here.

Image: Resistance oscillation reveals the electronic structure of YbB12. Illustration courtesty: Lu Li