Scientists paint quantum electronics with beams of light

A team of scientists from the University of Chicago and Penn State University has accidentally discovered a new way of using light to draw and erase quantum-mechanical circuits in a unique class of materials called topological insulators. In contrast to using advanced nanofabrication facilities based on chemical processing of materials, this flexible technique allows for rewritable "optical fabrication" of devices. This finding is likely to spawn new developments in emerging technologies such as low-power electronics based on the spin of electrons or ultrafast quantum computers. The research was published Oct. 9 in the American Association for the Advancement of Science's new online journal Science Advances . "This observation came as a complete surprise," said David D. Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor and deputy director in the Institute of Molecular Engineering at UChicago, who was one of two lead researchers on the project. "It's one of those rare moments in experimental science where a seemingly random event—turning on the room lights—generated unexpected effects with potentially important impacts in science and technology." The electrons in topological insulators have unique quantum properties that many scientists believe will be useful for developing spin-based electronics and quantum computers.