Daily Current Affairs : 28-November-2024
Scientists have recently made an exciting discovery in the field of quantum materials. They have found superconductivity in a new type of material known as twisted bilayer tungsten diselenide (tWSe₂), which is a form of moiré material. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in the development of quantum technologies and materials in the future.
What is tWSe₂ and Moiré Materials?
Moiré materials are created when two layers of a material, like tungsten diselenide, are twisted at a very small angle. This twist changes the material’s electronic structure, leading to unique properties that are not found in untwisted forms of the material. In the case of tWSe₂, when two layers are twisted, they form a special electronic structure known as flat energy bands. This structure affects how electrons behave within the material, creating exciting new possibilities for technological applications.
Properties of Twisted Bilayer Tungsten Diselenide (tWSe₂)
The key features of twisted bilayer tungsten diselenide are:
- Superconductivity at Low Temperatures: tWSe₂ exhibits superconductivity at an extremely low temperature of –272.93ºC. This means it can conduct electricity with zero resistance, a crucial feature for many advanced technologies.
- Strong Electron-Electron Interactions: The superconductivity in tWSe₂ is driven by strong interactions between electrons, a factor that plays a critical role in its ability to conduct electricity without resistance.
- Half-Band Filling: The electronic structure of tWSe₂ also involves half-band filling, a condition that promotes superconductivity.
- Longer Coherence Length: tWSe₂ has a superconducting state with a coherence length that is 10 times longer than in other similar materials. This property is important for the stability and efficiency of quantum systems.
- Stable Superconducting State: Unlike typical materials, where electrons experience large energy changes that affect their speed and momentum, electrons in tWSe₂ undergo minimal energy variations, making the material highly stable.
Significance of This Discovery
The discovery of superconductivity in tWSe₂ is important for several reasons:
- Stable Superconductivity in Semiconductors: It shows that semiconductors can be used to create stable superconducting states. This is a major step forward, as semiconductors are already widely used in electronics.
- Insights into Electron Interactions: The material offers a unique opportunity to study how electrons interact in this twisted structure, which could lead to new insights into quantum physics and materials science.
- Future Quantum Applications: This discovery could open new avenues for using semiconductors in quantum computing and other quantum-based technologies, which are expected to revolutionize industries like computing, cryptography, and energy.
Important Points:
- Discovery of Superconductivity: Superconductivity was discovered in twisted bilayer tungsten diselenide (tWSe₂), a new moiré material.
- Moiré Material Structure: tWSe₂ is formed by twisting two layers of tungsten diselenide at a small angle, creating a unique electronic structure with flat energy bands.
- Superconductivity at Extremely Low Temperatures: tWSe₂ exhibits superconductivity at –272.93ºC with zero electrical resistance.
- Strong Electron-Electron Interactions: The superconductivity is driven by strong electron-electron interactions and half-band filling.
- Longer Coherence Length: The material has a coherence length 10 times longer than other moiré materials, contributing to a stable superconducting state.
- Minimal Energy Variation for Electrons: Unlike typical materials, electrons in tWSe₂ experience very little energy variation as they move, ensuring stable superconductivity.
- Significance for Quantum Technologies: This discovery demonstrates stable superconductivity in semiconductors, paving the way for future semiconductor-based quantum applications.
- Potential for Quantum Advancements: The unique properties of tWSe₂ open up possibilities for advancements in quantum computing, energy-efficient electronics, and other quantum technologies.
Why In News
Scientists have discovered superconductivity in twisted bilayer tungsten diselenide (tWSe₂), a new moiré material made from semiconductors, marking a significant advancement in quantum materials research and offering new insights into the behavior of electrons in twisted two-dimensional structures. This breakthrough could pave the way for innovative applications in quantum computing and energy-efficient technologies.
MCQs about Twisted Bilayer Tungsten Diselenide
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What is the key feature of twisted bilayer tungsten diselenide (tWSe₂) that leads to superconductivity?
A. Flat energy bands due to a twist between two layers
B. High temperatures for superconductivity
C. Low resistance at room temperature
D. Use of metallic materials
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At what temperature does twisted bilayer tungsten diselenide (tWSe₂) exhibit superconductivity?
A. 0ºC
B. –272.93ºC
C. –50ºC
D. 25ºC
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What drives the superconductivity in twisted bilayer tungsten diselenide (tWSe₂)?
A. Strong magnetic fields
B. Electron-electron interactions and half-band filling
C. Light exposure
D. Electrical current
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Why is the coherence length in tWSe₂ significant?
A. It is shorter than in typical materials
B. It allows for higher electrical resistance
C. It is 10 times longer than in other moiré materials
D. It prevents superconductivity from occurring
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