Recent advances in condensed matter physics have revealed an intriguing new state of matter within the kagome metal CsV3Sb5, challenging conventional understanding of electronic coherence in complex quantum systems. Researchers have uncovered evidence pointing to a many-body state that emerges at a temperature denoted as T′, marking the onset of long-range coherence that fundamentally alters charge transport properties. Unlike traditional superconductivity, this phase exhibits coherence without the hallmark absence of electrical resistance, opening a fascinating frontier in the study of correlated quantum matter.
Quantitatively, the emergence of this coherent state manifests through its unique sensitivity to confinement geometry and the underlying crystal symmetry. The kagome lattice structure, known for its inherent geometric frustration and topological complexity, appears to host a state whose coherence length scales extend across micron-sized domains. This macroscopic coherence contrasts markedly with ordinary metals and highlights the delicate interplay of spatial confinement, lattice symmetry, and many-body interactions in driving emergent electronic phases.
At the core of this phenomenon is the phase stiffness of the many-body coherent state, which lends it remarkable transport properties bearing some resemblance to the superconducting phase. However, critical differences remain: the state is still dissipative, disallowing the zero-resistance hallmark of superconductivity, yet it exhibits pronounced magnetoresistance oscillations reminiscent of Josephson plasma modes observed in layered cuprate superconductors. These oscillations underscore a collective, phase-coherent dynamic that is unprecedented outside the realm of superconductors, indicating a new paradigm of itinerant electronic states.
The nature of the microscopic constituents that condense into this coherent many-body state is a topic of ongoing investigation. Present hypotheses suggest that orbital loop currents, excitonic bound states, or coupled charge and spin fluctuations could serve as the fundamental building blocks of this coherence. Such candidates reflect the complex intertwining of charge, spin, and orbital degrees of freedom in kagome metals, and demand sophisticated experimental probes to unravel their precise contributions.
Scanning tunneling microscopy has provided pivotal insights by visualizing an emergent unidirectional coherent state forming within the charge density wave gap at T′. This observation offers a microscopic window into the evolution of coherence at the nanoscale and suggests that the coherent state is not confined to local fluctuations but represents a bulk electronic reconstruction. Whether this coherence represents the intrinsic bulk order or a precursor fluctuation heralding long-range order remains a compelling open question.
The implications for superconductivity in CsV3Sb5 are profound. This coherent non-superconducting phase lays the electronic groundwork from which superconducting order emerges at lower temperatures. Understanding how these pre-formed coherent states influence or compete with superconductivity could unlock new insights into pairing mechanisms and the complex phase diagram of kagome metals.
Beyond the intrinsic scientific value, the discovery of coherent but dissipative charge transport in the normal state points to novel device possibilities. Quantum interference devices operating at elevated temperatures without reliance on fragile superconducting order may become feasible. Geometry and frustration-driven mechanisms could be harnessed to engineer coherence in quantum materials, potentially revolutionizing high-temperature quantum electronics.
The kagome structure’s intrinsic frustration plays a central role, as it modifies electron correlations and stabilizes unconventional many-body states. This new coherent phase challenges prevailing theoretical frameworks and motivates the development of microscopic models incorporating the interplay of symmetry, topology, and many-body coherence.
In terms of experimental design, the study highlights the importance of micron-scale confinement and global lattice symmetry, pointing toward sophisticated device architectures as powerful probes. Controlled tuning of geometry may enable manipulation of coherence properties and open pathways toward tailored quantum materials design.
Moreover, this work situates kagome metals as a fertile platform for exploring exotic quantum phases beyond traditional superconductivity and charge density waves. The many-body interference effects documented here not only deepen fundamental understanding but expand the landscape of known states of quantum matter.
Future directions will likely include local and microscopic probes capable of resolving the internal structure of this phase, clarifying the precise nature of the incoherent constituents that underlie coherence onset. Advanced spectroscopic and transport measurements, combined with theoretical modeling, will be essential in fully characterizing this emergent state.
Ultimately, the discovery of coherent many-body interference in kagome crystals opens a novel paradigm in the physics of correlated electrons, embodying a new form of coherence distinct from but related to superconductivity. This breakthrough not only enriches fundamental knowledge but could catalyze transformative quantum technologies operating in regimes previously inaccessible due to the limitations of superconducting materials.
Subject of Research:
Kagome metal CsV3Sb5; Many-body coherence; Quantum interference; Charge transport; Correlated quantum matter.
Article Title:
Many-body interference in kagome crystals.
Article References:
Guo, C., Wang, K., Zhang, L. et al. Many-body interference in kagome crystals. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09659-8
Image Credits: AI Generated
