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Research News

Shining potential of missing atoms

University of Vienna researchers showed that single atoms can be kicked out of hexagonal boron nitride using a scanning transmission electron microscope under ultrahigh vacuum. Until now, transmission electron microscopy measurements of hBN have been conducted at relatively poor vacuum conditions, leading to rapid damage. Due to this limitation, it was not clear whether vacancies—single missing atoms—could be controllably created. In the future, it may be possible to use electron irradiation to purposefully create specific vacancies that emit single photons of light by selectively irradiating the desired lattice sites with a focused electron probe. Visit the website for more information.

Physicists discover a new switch for superconductivity

Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicists identified the key to how iron selenide undergoes a structural shift known as “nematic transition” to unlock superconducting behavior. In other iron-based superconducting materials, scientists have observed that this shift occurs when individual atoms suddenly shift their magnetic spin toward one coordinated, preferred magnetic direction. However, in iron selenide, the atoms undergo a collective shift in their orbital energy rather than their spins. This fine distinction opens a door to discovering unconventional superconductors. Visit the website for more information.