Researchers Unravel Quantum Mystery, Redefining Material Science

A groundbreaking discovery at the University of Michigan has challenged long-standing assumptions in physics. Researchers have identified quantum oscillations within an insulating material, suggesting that these phenomena originate from the material’s bulk rather than its surface. The study, conducted at the National Magnetic Field Laboratory, offers new perspectives on material properties, indicating the potential for compounds to exhibit characteristics of both metals and insulators.

The research team, led by physicist Lu Li, published their findings in the journal Physical Review Letters on November 9, 2025. Li emphasized that while the implications for practical applications remain uncertain, the discovery is significant in revealing the complexities of the universe. “What we’ve found is still really bizarre and exciting,” he noted.

Understanding Quantum Oscillations

Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, the study focuses on a phenomenon known as quantum oscillations. These oscillations typically occur in metals, where electrons act like tiny springs, vibrating in response to magnetic fields. By manipulating the strength of the magnetic field, researchers can influence the movement of these “electron springs.”

In recent years, scientists have observed similar oscillations in insulators—materials traditionally understood to not conduct electricity or heat. This has sparked a debate regarding whether these effects stem from the surface or the bulk of the materials. The implications of this distinction are significant for future technological advancements.

Experimental Evidence and Global Collaboration

To explore these phenomena further, Li and a collaborative team of over a dozen scientists from six institutions in the United States and Japan investigated the behavior of a compound known as ytterbium boride (YbB12). Using the powerful magnets at the National Magnetic Field Laboratory, which operate at 35 Tesla—approximately 35 times stronger than a standard hospital MRI—they confirmed that the quantum oscillations originate from the bulk of the material rather than the surface.

Research fellow Kuan-Wen Chen expressed excitement over the findings, stating, “For years, scientists have pursued the answer to a fundamental question about the carrier origin in this exotic insulator: Is it from the bulk or the surface, intrinsic or extrinsic? We are excited to provide clear evidence that it is bulk and intrinsic.”

Li describes this discovery as part of a “new duality” in materials science. This concept parallels the historical realization that light and matter can function as both waves and particles, a revelation that reshaped physics and led to the development of various technologies, including solar cells and electron microscopes.

The new duality, according to Li, suggests that certain materials can exhibit both conductive and insulating properties. He explained, “Effectively, we’re showing that this naive picture where we envisioned a surface with good conduction that’s feasible to use in electronics is completely wrong. It’s the whole compound that behaves like a metal even though it’s an insulator.”

As researchers continue to investigate this “metal-like” behavior, they face the challenge of understanding the underlying mechanisms at play. Graduate student Yuan Zhu stated, “Confirming that the oscillations are bulk and intrinsic is exciting. We don’t yet know what kind of neutral particles are responsible for the observation. We hope our findings motivate further experiments and theoretical work.”

The project has also received support from various organizations, including the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

This research not only opens new avenues for scientific inquiry but also emphasizes the unpredictable nature of material properties at the quantum level, potentially paving the way for innovations in electronic, optical, and quantum devices. As the scientific community delves deeper into these findings, the implications for technology and our understanding of materials continue to unfold.