For decades, the existence of antiferromagnetism in the unique materials remained a mystery. Now, a team of researchers has not only proven its existence but also opened doors to exciting new possibilities in technology.
Antiferromagnetism Found in Icosahedral Quasicrystals!
The field of condensed matter physics has recently experienced a groundbreaking discovery. The identification of antiferromagnetic order in a new type of material known as an icosahedral quasicrystal (iQC). This achievement is significant because it marks the first instance where researchers have found evidence of antiferromagnetism in a material that lacks traditional periodic symmetry. This finding challenges previous assumptions about antiferromagnetic states. Thus, it makes for a thrilling time for budding scientists and enthusiasts.
What is Antiferromagnetism?
Antiferromagnetism is a unique type of magnetism where adjacent spins align in opposite directions. Unlike ferromagnets, notorious for their strong magnetic fields. But, antiferromagnets do not exhibit net magnetic moments as they effectively cancel each other out. This complex behavior has fascinated physicists since the classical Néel order was identified in simple systems.
The Role of Quasicrystals
Quasicrystals, discovered in the 1980s, are materials that feature unique symmetrical properties like 5-fold rotational symmetry. This cannot be found in conventional crystals. Their intricate structure creates fascinating opportunities for research. Scientists believed that genuine long-range antiferromagnetic order would not emerge in these materials due to their lack of translational periodicity. However, new evidence presented by physicists indicates otherwise.
The First Antiferromagnetic Icosahedral Quasicrystal: A Major Discovery
In a stunning discovery, researchers have identified the first-ever antiferromagnetic quasicrystal! This exciting development completely changes our understanding of how magnetism can exist in these unique structures. The recent study involved creating an alloy called gold-indium-europium Au–In–Eu. Exhibiting intriguing magnetic properties. Researchers utilized laser-melting techniques to attain this new quasicrystal formation and then conducted extensive tests using neutron diffraction.
The team synthesized a novel icosahedral quasicrystal (a type of quasicrystal with 20 faces), specifically an Au56In28.5Eu15.5 alloy. The results generated exciting evidence: experiencing an antiferromagnetic transition at low temperatures, specifically at around 6.5 Kelvin!
A New Dimension to Spintronics
This discovery opens the door to numerous possibilities in fields like spintronics. Moreover, merging traditional electronics with quantum mechanics for enhanced performance and efficiency. By exploring the peculiarities of quasicrystals, researchers can investigate how these materials may lead to novel technologies that could revolutionize data transmission and storage methods.
Neutron Diffraction: Unveiling the Magnetic Order
Neutron diffraction is a powerful technique used to study the arrangement of atoms and their magnetic moments. Hence, played a crucial role in this discovery. This method allowed the scientists to directly observe the antiparallel alignment of magnetic moments within the quasicrystal. Thus, confirming the presence of antiferromagnetism. This confirms what once seemed impossible.
Implications for Future Research
This breakthrough opens a new frontier in condensed matter physics. The discovery demonstrates that antiferromagnetic order is possible in quasicrystals, defying previous limitations. It also presents opportunities for designing new materials with unique magnetic properties. Future research will undoubtedly focus on exploring the rich physics of antiferromagnetism in these unique structures. Quasicrystals, already known for their unusual mechanical and physical properties, now add antiferromagnetism to their repertoire. This combination could lead to the development of new devices and applications in areas like spintronics.
Reference
- Tamura, R., Abe, T., Yoshida, S., Shimozaki, Y., Suzuki, S., Ishikawa, A., Labib, F., Avdeev, M., Kinjo, K., Nawa, K., & Sato, T. J. (2025). Observation of antiferromagnetic order in a quasicrystal. Nature Physics. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-025-02858-0
Additionally, to stay updated with the latest developments in STEM research, visit ENTECH Online. Basically, this is our digital magazine for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Further, at ENTECH Online, you’ll find a wealth of information.
- Author
- Latest Posts
Neha Adikane holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Pune University, bringing a unique blend of scientific expertise and creative writing skills to her craft. She specializes in creating engaging, insightful, and impactful content across various niches. With a passion for translating complex ideas into simple, relatable narratives, she excels at crafting blogs, articles, website content, and social media posts that captivate readers and drive engagement. Neha’s background in environmental science adds depth to her writing, allowing her to effectively cover topics related to sustainability, eco-awareness, and scientific innovations.
