Charge-neutral electronic excitations in quantum insulators

Sanfeng Wu (), Leslie M. Schoop, Inti Sodemann, Roderich Moessner, Robert J. Cava and N. P. Ong ()
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Sanfeng Wu: Princeton University
Leslie M. Schoop: Princeton University
Inti Sodemann: University of Leipzig
Roderich Moessner: Max-Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems
Robert J. Cava: Princeton University
N. P. Ong: Princeton University

Nature, 2024, vol. 635, issue 8038, 301-310

Abstract: Abstract Experiments on quantum materials have uncovered many interesting quantum phases ranging from superconductivity to a variety of topological quantum matter including the recently observed fractional quantum anomalous Hall insulators. The findings have come in parallel with the development of approaches to probe the rich excitations inherent in such systems. In contrast to observing electrically charged excitations, the detection of charge-neutral electronic excitations in condensed matter remains difficult, although they are essential to understanding a large class of strongly correlated phases. Low-energy neutral excitations are especially important in characterizing unconventional phases featuring electron fractionalization, such as quantum spin liquids, spin ices and insulators with neutral Fermi surfaces. In this Perspective, we discuss searches for neutral fermionic, bosonic or anyonic excitations in unconventional insulators, highlighting theoretical and experimental progress in probing excitonic insulators, new quantum spin liquid candidates and emergent correlated insulators based on two-dimensional layered crystals and moiré materials. We outline the promises and challenges in probing and using quantum insulators, and discuss exciting new opportunities for future advancements offered by ideas rooted in next-generation quantum materials, devices and experimental schemes.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08091-8

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