A recent study published in Nature reveals insights into achieving superfluorescence at room temperature, potentially advancing the development of high-temperature quantum materials. The research was led by North Carolina State University with contributions from Duke University, Boston University, and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.
Kenan Gundogdu, a professor of physics at NC State and corresponding author of the study, stated, “In this work, we show both experimental and theoretical reasons behind macroscopic quantum coherence at high temperature.” This finding could lead to new materials for applications such as quantum computers that operate without requiring extremely low temperatures.
The study focuses on macroscopic quantum phase transitions, which involve collective behavior similar to a school of fish or synchronized fireflies. These transitions typically require cryogenic conditions due to thermal noise disrupting synchronization. However, the team discovered that certain hybrid perovskites can protect quantum particles from thermal noise long enough for phase transitions like superfluorescence to occur.
Previous research indicated that large polarons within these materials insulate light-emitting dipoles from thermal interference. In the current study, researchers identified how this insulating effect operates. When a laser excites electrons in the hybrid perovskite, groups of polarons form solitons—a coherent unit that dampens thermal disturbances impeding quantum effects.
Mustafa Türe, an NC State Ph.D. student and co-first author of the paper explained, “A soliton only forms when there is enough density of polarons excited in the material.” Melike Biliroglu, postdoctoral researcher and co-first author added, “This is one of the first direct observations of macroscopic quantum state formation.”
The team collaborated with Volker Blum from Duke University and Vasily Temnov from CNRS and Ecole Polytechnique to verify their findings through calculations and simulations. Their results confirmed that soliton formation suppresses temperature-related disruptions.
Franky So, co-author and Distinguished Professor at NC State remarked on the significance: “Prior to this work it wasn’t clear if there was a mechanism behind high-temperature quantum effects in these materials.” Gundogdu emphasized the potential impact: “Now that we understand the theory…we have guidelines for designing new quantum materials that can function at high temperatures.”
The research received support from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science under grant no. DE-SC0024396.
