A quantum highway just one atom high could transform superconductors

Scientists discovered that atomic steps just one atom high can guide quantum vortices through superconductors, making them move more than 1,000 times more easily in one direction than another. This remarkable control over quantum motion could lead to a new generation of ultra-efficient superconducting electronics. A quantum highway just one atom high could transform superconductors.

Scientists in Japan have discovered that tiny steps just one atom high can act like microscopic railroad tracks, guiding the movement of quantum vortices inside an ultrathin superconductor. Under certain conditions, these vortices moved more than 1,000 times more easily along the steps than across them. Researchers also found that they could adjust this remarkable effect simply by changing the temperature or magnetic field.

The discovery was made by researchers at the Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), part of Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS). Their findings offer a promising new approach to controlling quantum behavior and could eventually help engineers develop superconducting electronics that use far less energy while processing information more efficiently. Why Controlling Quantum Vortices Matters Superconductors are unusual materials that can carry electricity without electrical resistance when cooled below a critical temperature.