MIT discovers a new state of matter, a new kind of magnetism

[Ichingcarpenter]

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new state of matter with a new kind of magnetism. This new state, called a quantum spin liquid (QSL), could lead to significant advances in data storage. QSLs also exhibit a quantum phenomenon called long-range entanglement, which could lead to new types of communications systems, and more.

Generally, when we talk about magnetism’s role in the realm of technology, there are just two types: Ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. Ferromagnetism has been known about for centuries, and is the underlying force behind your compass’s spinning needle or the permanent bar magnets you played with at school. In ferromagnets, the spin (i.e. charge) of every electron is aligned in the same direction, causing two distinct poles. In antiferromagnets, neighboring electrons point in the opposite direction, causing the object to have zero net magnetism (pictured below). In combination with ferromagnets, antiferromagnets are used to create spin valves: the magnetic sensors used in hard drive heads.

http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/143782-mit-discovers-a-new-state-of-matter-a-new-kind-of-magnetism

[TDale313]

1. Very cool. Thanks for the link. n/t

[aquart]

2. "the researchers spent 10 months growing a tiny sliver of herbertsmithite"

HERBERTSMITHITE!

Is there also a WALTERMITTYITE?

[JHB]

5. One could imagine so.

[Duer 157099]

12. I don't know about waltermittyite

but I wouldn't be opposed to a walterwhiteite

[cojoel]

13. More info on wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbertsmithite

[DippyDem]

3. Hoverboards coming soon! n/t

[progressoid]

4. Article makes an error. There are more than just two types of magnetism.

Diamagnetism, Paramagnetism, Ferromagnetism, Antiferromagnetism and Ferrimagnetism

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. My brain hurts now.

Where does "animal magnetism" come into play here?

[Ichingcarpenter]

8. It part of quantum entanglement

Sometimes, two particles will act together and become an entangled system. They behave like one object, but remain two separate objects. It is as if they now sit on the same teeter-totter seesaw. No matter how long the seesaw is, even if it is a billion miles long, if one end is down the other end must be up, and this happens instantly. This happens faster than light can travel from one particle to the other.

[muriel_volestrangler]

9. Also "the spin (i.e. charge) of every electron"

Spin is not 'charge'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin_%28physics%29

[Alexa100]

7. Interesting

Than you for sharing

[Ligyron]

10. Who needs the supernatural

when every discovery brings us closer to reality?

[Orrex]

11. I was prepared to be disappointed

I expectrd that this would be a lame joke-post about Republicans, with some comkentary about the new state of "don't matter" and the magnetism that draws their heads up their asses.

I'm pleased and intrigued what the article is actually about!