Quantum Physics

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October 22, 2021
News Feature
Experiments confirm a quantum material’s unique response to circularly polarized laser light
Topological insulators conduct electricity on their surfaces but not through their interiors. SLAC scientists discovered that high harmonic generation produces a unique signature from the topological surface.
A counterclockwise pattern of swirling arrows This pattern of arrows representing the combined spin and momentum of electrons in the surface layer of a topological insulator
October 15, 2021
News Feature
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Three SLAC, Stanford scholars named American Physical Society Fellows
Benjamin Lev, Srinivas Raghu and Monika Schleier-Smith were all recognized for their work on quantum physics.
Portraits of three Stanford and SLAC physicists who were named APS Fellows
October 13, 2021
News Feature
Why skyrmions could have a lot in common with glass and high-temperature superconductors
Spawned by the spins of electrons in magnetic materials, these tiny whirlpools behave like independent particles and could be the future of computing. Experiments with SLAC’s X-ray laser are revealing their secrets.
Illustration of skyrmions -- little whirlpools of magnetism formed by the spins of atoms.
July 15, 2021
Press Release
Scientists take first snapshots of ultrafast switching in a quantum electronic device
They discover a short-lived state that could lead to faster and more energy-efficient computing devices.
ultrafast switching
July 9, 2021
News Feature
SLAC hosts Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm for a virtual visit
She toured the lab’s powerful X-ray laser, looked at the construction of the world’s largest digital camera, and discussed climate research, industries of the future, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the sciences.
Secretary Granholm virtual visit
April 21, 2021
News Feature
Scientists glimpse signs of a puzzling state of matter in a superconductor
Known as “pair-density waves,” it may be key to understanding how superconductivity can exist at relatively high temperatures.
Illustration depicting how two types of waves within superconducting materials intertwine to form a third type known as charge-density waves
April 12, 2021
News Feature
In a first, scientists watch 2D puddles of electrons spontaneously emerge in a 3D superconducting material
It’s an example of how surprising properties can spontaneously emerge in complex materials – a phenomenon scientists hope to harness for novel technologies.
Illustration of a 2D superconducting state emerging in a 3D superconductor
February 2, 2021
News Feature
A new hands-off probe uses light to explore the subtleties of electron behavior in a topological insulator
Just as pressing a guitar string produces a higher pitch, sending laser light through a material can shift it to higher energies and higher frequencies. Now scientists have discovered how to use this phenomenon to explore quantum materials in a new and much more detailed way.
Illustration of high harmonic generation in a topological insulator using circularly polarized laser light
October 29, 2020
News Feature
Scientists launch quest to develop quantum sensors for probing quantum materials
SLAC and Stanford partner with two Illinois universities to create the Center for Quantum Sensing and Quantum Materials, which aims to unravel mysteries associated with exotic superconductors, topological insulators and strange metals.
Illustration of quantum processes
October 12, 2020
Press Release
SLAC starts up new facility to revolutionize particle accelerators
FACET-II will pave the way for a future generation of particle colliders and powerful light sources, opening avenues in high-energy physics, medicine, and materials, biological and energy science.
FACET II

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