Home > Press > A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states
 |
| Scanning electron micrograph of the measured semiconductor-superconductor hybrid nanowires with an artistic illustration of the elusive vortex states Credit Saulius Vaitiekenas |
Abstract:
Synthetic superconducting vortices:
Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, have created a novel pathway into the study of the elusive quantum states in superconducting vortices. The existence of these was flouted in the 1960s, but has remained very difficult to verify directly because those states are squeezed into energy scales smaller than one can typically resolve in experiments.
A 1960s idea inspires NBI researchers to study hitherto inaccessible quantum states
Copenhagen, Denmark | Posted on June 6th, 2025The result was made possible by a combination of ingenuity and the expanding research in designer materials created in the labs at the Niels Bohr Insitute. It is now published in Physical Review Letters.
Synthetic superconducting vortices – finding a “backdoor.”
Instead of trying to observe the elusive states in their original setting, the researchers, led by a professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, Saulius Vaitiekėnas, built a completely new material system that mimics the conditions.
Like using a clever backdoor, they bypassed the original limitations by designing a tiny superconducting cylinder and applying magnetic flux to recreate the essential physics.
“ This setup allows us to study the same quantum states, but on our own terms,” says Saulius. “By designing the platform ourselves, we dictate the rules.”
Studying the elusive states is basic research – but where does it lead?
In a growing and very competitive research landscape in quantum, this work demonstrates the versatility of the semiconductor–superconductor platform to realize and study new types of quantum states.
And the semiconductor-superconductor platform in itself is actually also a Copenhagen innovation from about a decade ago. “We actually came across these states serendipitously—like many scientific discoveries. But once we understood what we were looking at, we realized it was more than a curiosity.
It turns out that they could be useful for building hybrid quantum simulators, which are needed to study and understand complex future materials”, Saulius explains.
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Media Contact
Søren Granat
University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science
Office: 45-35-32-06-05
Expert Contact
Saulius Vaitiekenas
University of Copenhagen
Cell: +45 53 69 08 64
Copyright © University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Bookmark:
| Related News Press |
News and information
Quantum computer improves AI predictions April 17th, 2026
Flexible sensor gains sensitivity under pressure April 17th, 2026
A reusable chip for particulate matter sensing April 17th, 2026
Detecting vibrational quantum beating in the predissociation dynamics of SF6 using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy April 17th, 2026
Quantum Physics
Detecting vibrational quantum beating in the predissociation dynamics of SF6 using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy April 17th, 2026
Beyond silicon: Electronics at the scale of a single molecule January 30th, 2026
MXene nanomaterials enter a new dimension Multilayer nanomaterial: MXene flakes created at Drexel University show new promise as 1D scrolls January 30th, 2026
Physics
UC Irvine physicists discover method to reverse ‘quantum scrambling’ : The work addresses the problem of information loss in quantum computing system April 17th, 2026
Quantum chemistry
Three-pronged approach discerns qualities of quantum spin liquids November 17th, 2023
Possible Futures
A fundamentally new therapeutic approach to cystic fibrosis: Nanobody repairs cellular defect April 17th, 2026
UC Irvine physicists discover method to reverse ‘quantum scrambling’ : The work addresses the problem of information loss in quantum computing system April 17th, 2026
Chip Technology
A reusable chip for particulate matter sensing April 17th, 2026
Metasurfaces smooth light to boost magnetic sensing precision January 30th, 2026
Discoveries
Quantum computer improves AI predictions April 17th, 2026
Flexible sensor gains sensitivity under pressure April 17th, 2026
A reusable chip for particulate matter sensing April 17th, 2026
Detecting vibrational quantum beating in the predissociation dynamics of SF6 using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy April 17th, 2026
Materials/Metamaterials/Magnetoresistance
First real-time observation of two-dimensional melting process: Researchers at Mainz University unveil new insights into magnetic vortex structures August 8th, 2025
Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change June 6th, 2025
Institute for Nanoscience hosts annual proposal planning meeting May 16th, 2025
Announcements
A fundamentally new therapeutic approach to cystic fibrosis: Nanobody repairs cellular defect April 17th, 2026
UC Irvine physicists discover method to reverse ‘quantum scrambling’ : The work addresses the problem of information loss in quantum computing system April 17th, 2026
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
A fundamentally new therapeutic approach to cystic fibrosis: Nanobody repairs cellular defect April 17th, 2026
UC Irvine physicists discover method to reverse ‘quantum scrambling’ : The work addresses the problem of information loss in quantum computing system April 17th, 2026
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||