MIT physicists observe coexisting electron phases in quantum material

Physicists at MIT have directly observed the coexistence of two distinct electron order phases within the rare-earth material erbium tritelluride. The research, published in Nature Physics, reveals how charge density waves (CDWs) can form and interact within the same quantum material.

Using a “pump” and “probe” laser technique, the team monitored how electrons reorganize into different patterns. At -8 degrees Celsius, a dominant wave forms in one direction. Upon further cooling to -113 degrees Celsius, a second, subdominant wave emerges perpendicularly to the first, creating an atomic checkerboard pattern. The study found that these two phases can rebuild themselves through fundamentally different mechanisms despite involving the same underlying electron order.

Understanding these coexisting phases is considered a potential cornerstone for developing materials to replace silicon and for engineering high-performance quantum devices. The findings provide insight into why phenomena like superconductivity and magnetism frequently appear alongside one another in certain materials.