Superconductivity is unique among electronic phenomena in that it allows electric currents to flow with zero resistance, eliminating energy losses that plague conventional conductors. This perfect conductivity can lead to electronic systems and power distribution networks with dramatically reduced energy consumption. However, in practice, superconductors require extreme cooling, often down to cryogenic temperatures near minus 200 degrees Celsius, to maintain their superconducting state. Additionally, strong magnetic fields—common in many high-tech applications—tend to degrade or destroy superconductivity, limiting the range of viable uses.

The pivotal breakthrough by the team at Chalmers involves a fundamentally different strategy than traditional chemical manipulation or material substitution. Instead, they have focused on nanoscopic engineering of the substrate—the microscopic foundation on which ultrathin superconducting films are grown. By sculpting the substrate’s surface at the nanoscale, creating a pattern of tiny ridges and valleys far smaller than a millionth of a human hair’s width, they discovered a way to guide the atomic arrangement in the superconducting layer above in a way that enhances its properties.

The specific superconducting material used in this study belongs to the cuprate family of copper-oxide compounds. These materials have long intrigued physicists because they exhibit superconductivity at relatively elevated temperatures compared to conventional superconductors, yet the complexity of their crystal chemistry makes optimizing their performance challenging after synthesis. The ultrathin superconducting films, deposited on specially patterned magnesium oxide substrates, displayed an unexpected resilience—maintaining superconductivity at significantly higher temperatures while enduring intense magnetic environments.

This enhancement arises from the interface between the substrate and the superconducting layer, where the nanofacet patterns induce an “electronic landscape” that fundamentally alters how electrons organize and behave. The electronic structure near this interface develops preferential directional properties, creating a stabilized and stronger superconducting state. The research team demonstrated this using advanced vacuum and high-temperature treatments to pre-condition the substrate surface, which then imprints its sculpted pattern onto the developing atomic layers.

The implications of this nano-engineering approach are profound. Instead of endlessly searching for new superconducting compounds or attempting difficult chemical doping, scientists can now manipulate existing high-performance materials via precise control of substrate morphology. This work carves out a new principle in materials science: functional properties like superconductivity can be strategically enhanced through substrate-induced nano-patterning, a method likely applicable across various material systems.

This novel design principle opens exciting prospects for the future integration of superconductors into everyday technology. For one, by increasing the operational temperature and magnetic field tolerance, the need for costly and cumbersome cryogenic setups may be relaxed, accelerating the transition of superconducting devices from laboratory curiosities to practical components. Applications could range from ultra-efficient quantum computers that rely on stable superconducting qubits to next-generation sensors, power electronics, and advanced communication infrastructure demanding minimal energy loss.

Moreover, this work highlights the subtle but critical role played by nanoscale structural details in governing macroscopic electronic behavior. The researchers’ insight into the interplay between atomic-scale topology and electron dynamics underscores the rich complexity of interfacial phenomena, an area ripe for further exploration. Such interfacial engineering strategies could potentially unlock even higher temperature superconductivity, edging closer to the elusive goal of room-temperature superconductors that have long tantalized physicists.

In a collaborative effort spanning across institutions in Sweden, Italy, India, France, and Germany, the team combined expertise in experimental physics, quantum device engineering, and material science to achieve this milestone. Part of the experimental work was carried out in the cleanroom facilities at Myfab Chalmers, demonstrating the importance of advanced fabrication environments for manipulating matter at the nanoscale with atomic precision.

This breakthrough also addresses the global need for sustainable technology innovation. With ICT infrastructure accounting for an increasingly significant share of worldwide electricity use—estimated between 6 to 12 percent—solutions that drastically improve energy efficiency are critical. Superconductors, once plagued by impractical operational constraints, are now poised to play a transformative role in reducing the carbon footprint of digital technologies through advancements such as those unlocked by Chalmers researchers.

By revealing how subtle nanoscale sculpting can control and boost superconducting behavior, the study published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature Communications sets a fresh agenda for future superconducting material development. As this approach is refined and extended to other compound families, the prospect of superconductors functioning effectively under ambient conditions and common magnetic field environments grows ever more tangible.

Professor Floriana Lombardi, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the significance of their findings: “Our work shows that minute changes on the order of nanometers at the substrate interface can have a dramatic impact on the macroscopic properties of superconductors. This opens new pathways for engineering robust superconducting devices that could revolutionize electronics and quantum technology.”

Alongside Lombardi, notable contributors such as Eric Wahlberg and Riccardo Arpaia have underlined the interdisciplinary and international nature of this research, which benefits from the coordinated support of funding bodies including the Swedish Research Council, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and the European Union’s EIC Pathfinder grant.

Ultimately, this work represents a leap forward in solving the longstanding challenges of making high-temperature superconductivity practical and robust. By harnessing interfacial nano-engineering, the dream of superconducting technologies that operate efficiently in real-world environments—far beyond the confines of specialized laboratories—edges much closer to reality. As such, it marks a seminal advance in the quest for ultralow-energy electronics and pushes the frontier of quantum materials science into a promising new dimension.

Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Boosting superconductivity in ultrathin YBa2Cu3O7−δ films via nanofaceted substrates
News Publication Date: 7-Jan-2026
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67500-2
References: Lombardi, F., Wahlberg, E., Arpaia, R., et al. Nature Communications, 2026.
Image Credits: Chalmers University of Technology / Riccardo Arpaia

Keywords

Superconductivity, Electromagnetic fields, Nanotechnology, Quantum materials, Energy efficiency, Cuprate superconductors, Substrate engineering, Ultrathin films, Quantum devices, High magnetic field superconductivity

At the heart of this research lies the concept of moiré superlattices, where slight angular misalignments between two-dimensional crystals give rise to periodic interference patterns. These moiré patterns drastically alter the electronic band structure, enabling control over electron correlations via bandwidth modulation. Specifically, the team’s ability to tune tWSe₂ into a moderate correlation regime has facilitated the exploration of many-body physics that was previously inaccessible in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) systems. This capability is essential for realizing effective Hubbard model analogues, which serve as foundational frameworks for describing strong electron interactions that lead to phenomena such as Mott insulation and unconventional superconductivity.

The study carefully examines the phase behavior at electron filling ν = 1, a regime known for its sensitivity to correlation effects. By varying the twist angle—and thereby the effective bandwidth—the researchers induced a Mott metal-insulator transition akin to that observed in strongly correlated materials. Remarkably, superconductivity emerges exclusively in proximity to this Mott transition, a hallmark shared with the celebrated cuprate phase diagram. This observation lends weight to the hypothesis that strong correlations, rather than conventional phonon-mediated pairing, are central to the formation of high-T_c superconducting states.

Transport measurements conducted on twisted WSe₂ devices reveal a dome-shaped superconducting phase flanked by insulating regions, evocative of the doping-dependent phase diagrams that have long fascinated condensed matter physicists. The dome itself is sensitively tuned not only by electron doping but also by twist-angle-driven changes in bandwidth, emphasizing the dual role of carrier concentration and electron kinetic energy in orchestrating the emergent states. Such tunability underscores the versatility of moiré platforms as quantum simulators, capable of emulating key aspects of the Hubbard model that govern complex materials.

The presence of a strange metal phase adjacent to the superconducting dome further deepens the analogy with cuprates. This non-Fermi liquid regime is characterized by anomalous transport properties and is believed to be intimately linked to quantum criticality. The ability to access and systematically study this phase in a clean, controllable environment such as twisted TMDs could shed unprecedented light on the microscopic origins of quantum critical behavior and its relationship to high-temperature superconductivity.

Numerical studies of the Hubbard model have long predicted superconductivity that peaks near the Mott insulating state, governed by strong Coulomb repulsion and spin fluctuations. The current experiments in tWSe₂ provide compelling empirical support for these predictions, validating theoretical models that emphasize electron-electron interactions over conventional phonon coupling. This insight challenges traditional BCS paradigms and suggests that future research must continue exploring unconventional pairing mechanisms rooted in electronic correlations.

Despite these transformative findings, the exact nature of the superconducting order parameter in twisted WSe₂ remains to be elucidated. Probing the symmetry of the pairing state—whether d-wave, p-wave, or otherwise—requires advanced spectroscopic and thermodynamic techniques. Furthermore, identifying the microscopic interactions that stabilize superconductivity will be crucial to understanding whether the mechanism indeed mirrors that of cuprates or represents a distinct paradigm within moiré materials.

The moiré superlattice platform offers unparalleled experimental control, including the ability to adjust twist angle, carrier density, strain, and external fields. This flexibility sets the stage for systematic exploration of complex phases and transitions in a tunable solid-state simulator. By bridging nanoscale engineering with many-body phenomenology, twisted TMD systems such as tWSe₂ provide a promising experimental playground to dissect competing interactions that ultimately govern exotic ground states.

Moreover, the high degree of reproducibility and stability in WSe₂-based moiré devices mitigates complications arising from disorder and inhomogeneity, which often plague other correlated systems. This cleanliness enables high-precision measurements critical for resolving subtle signatures of electron correlation, quantum fluctuations, and pairing phenomena. Consequently, tWSe₂ devices stand poised to become benchmark platforms for benchmarking theories of unconventional superconductivity.

Looking forward, integrating complementary probes such as scanning tunneling microscopy, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance will yield deeper insights into electronic structure and dynamics. Additionally, exploring the interplay between spin, valley, and orbital degrees of freedom unique to TMDs promises to unlock novel correlated phases beyond those accessible in cuprates. The fusion of experimental advances with theoretical modeling holds great promise for a comprehensive framework of strongly correlated electron matter.

This study heralds a new era in condensed matter physics where quantum materials can be designed with atomic precision to emulate and probe formidable theoretical problems such as the Hubbard model and high-temperature superconductivity. Through the prism of twisted TMD moiré superlattices, researchers have unveiled a pathway to explore and potentially solve decades-old puzzles surrounding unconventional superconductors, bringing us closer to harnessing their intriguing properties for technological breakthroughs.

In sum, the discovery of bandwidth-tuned Mott transitions and adjacent superconductivity in tWSe₂ moiré superlattices provides compelling evidence that strong electronic correlations are indispensable for understanding high-T_c phenomena. By offering a clean, versatile, and tunable experimental system, this work establishes a powerful platform to illuminate the intertwined phases of matter that have long obstructed progress in both fundamental science and potential applications like quantum computing and lossless energy transport. The community eagerly anticipates further experimental and theoretical advances that will build on this promising foundation.

Subject of Research:
Twisted bilayer WSe₂ moiré superlattices as a platform for exploring bandwidth-controlled Mott transitions and unconventional superconductivity.

Article Title:
Bandwidth-tuned Mott transition and superconductivity in moiré WSe₂

Article References:
Xia, Y., Han, Z., Zhu, J. et al. Bandwidth-tuned Mott transition and superconductivity in moiré WSe₂. Nature (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-10049-3

Image Credits:
AI Generated

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-10049-3

Traditionally, superconductivity has only manifested in materials cooled to temperatures hovering near absolute zero, rendering widespread application impractical and costly. Breakthroughs began to emerge in the late 20th century, with discoveries of high-temperature superconductors, such as copper-oxide ceramics, which can superconduct at temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (77 K). Although this was a significant leap, the ultimate goal remained elusive: superconductivity at or near room temperature under manageable conditions.

A transformative development came with the advent of hydrogen-rich metallic compounds, particularly hydrogen sulfide (H₃S) and lanthanum decahydride (LaH₁₀). These materials demonstrate superconductivity at unprecedentedly high temperatures of 203 Kelvin (-70°C) and 250 Kelvin (-23°C), respectively, when subjected to enormous pressures exceeding one million times atmospheric pressure. These transition temperatures, well above that of liquid nitrogen, have captivated researchers worldwide, ushering in a new class of "high-temperature" superconductors that hint at the possibility of room-temperature superconductivity.

Central to understanding this phenomenon is the superconducting gap, a quantum mechanical property that defines the energy required to break the electron pairs—known as Cooper pairs—that facilitate resistance-free conductivity. This gap acts as a fingerprint of the superconducting state, offering critical information on the strength and nature of the interaction between electrons and lattice vibrations (phonons). Unraveling the precise characteristics of this gap is vital for decoding the mechanism underpinning superconductivity in these sophisticated materials.

However, probing the superconducting gap in hydrogen-rich compounds like H₃S presents a formidable challenge. Their synthesis demands extremely high pressures, conditions that render conventional measurement techniques such as scanning tunneling spectroscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy ineffective. The extraordinary environment makes direct experimental access to the superconducting state tremendously difficult, limiting understanding of these materials’ microscopic properties.

Addressing this barrier, scientists at the Max Planck Institute in Mainz developed a novel planar electron tunneling spectroscopy method capable of operating under such extreme conditions. This breakthrough technique was successfully applied to H₃S, marking the first direct observation of its superconducting gap. This accomplishment not only provides vital experimental validation for theoretical models but also opens the door to comprehensive studies of other complex hydride superconductors created under ultrahigh pressures.

The experimental data reveal that H₃S possesses a fully open superconducting gap measuring approximately 60 millielectronvolts (meV), a value that strongly signifies a robust pairing mechanism. In comparison, the deuterium analogue D₃S exhibits a smaller gap around 44 meV. Deuterium’s heavier isotope nature confirms that electron-phonon coupling is the driving force behind superconductivity in these systems, affirming longstanding theoretical predictions regarding lattice vibrations facilitating electron pairing in hydrides.

This discovery provides pivotal insights into the fundamental mechanisms of hydrogen-based high-temperature superconductors. By confirming phonon-mediated electron pairing through isotope substitution, researchers can better understand the requisites for high critical temperatures. Importantly, this knowledge forms a solid groundwork upon which scientists can explore new hydrogen-rich materials with the potential to reach or even exceed room temperature superconductivity.

The implications of this progress extend beyond pure science. Unlocking room-temperature superconductivity could enable transformative applications, such as highly efficient power grids free from transmission losses, ultra-compact and fast quantum computers, and revolutionary magnetic levitation transport systems. The key lies in engineering materials that sustain superconductivity at ambient pressures, making them accessible and practical beyond specialized laboratory conditions.

Leading figures in the field have heralded this research as a watershed moment. The late Dr. Mikhail Eremets, a pioneer recognized for his seminal work on high-pressure superconductivity, described the study as the most significant since the initial discovery of superconductivity in H₃S in 2015. His visionary work laid the foundation for exploring hydrogen-rich compounds under pressure as promising routes toward high-temperature superconductivity, a dream now one step closer to reality thanks to these new findings.

Dr. Vasily Minkov, head of High-Pressure Chemistry and Physics at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, emphasized that this advancement aligns perfectly with Eremets’ decades-long vision of pragmatic superconductors operating at manageable pressures and temperatures. The refined tunneling technique is poised to become a critical tool for future explorations, enabling systematic investigations across a broader range of hydrides and beyond.

Fundamentally, the superconducting gap encapsulates the quantum essence of the superconducting phase. When electrons form Cooper pairs at temperatures below the critical temperature (T_c), they condense into a macroscopic quantum state with zero electrical resistance. The gap quantifies the energy threshold to disrupt these pairs, directly linking to the material’s superconducting robustness. Its symmetry and magnitude provide vital clues about the nature of electron interactions and pairing mechanisms, insights that are indispensable for material design.

Since the initial discovery of superconductivity in mercury by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes in 1911, scientific understanding has continuously advanced. The high-temperature cuprates discovered by Bednorz and Müller in the 1980s shattered earlier paradigms but still fell short of room temperature operation. Hydrogen-rich hydrides, through their distinctive lattice dynamics and electron-phonon interactions under pressure, represent the cutting edge of this quest, suggesting that room-temperature superconductivity may finally emerge within reach.

Looking ahead, researchers aim to extend the new tunneling spectroscopy technique to study additional hydride superconductors and other exotic compounds synthesized at ultrahigh pressures. The nuanced information gained from detailed gap measurements will illuminate the pathways to optimize electron pairing and material stability. This scientific journey holds the promise of uncovering materials with the ideal balance of temperature, pressure, and practical usability for future technologies.

In essence, this pioneering study heralds a new chapter in superconductivity research by providing the first direct measurement of the superconducting gap in H₃S under extreme conditions. It validates theoretical frameworks and solidifies our understanding of the quantum state in high-temperature hydrides. The aspiration for widespread, ambient-condition superconductors, once a distant dream, edges closer to tangible reality, promising profound technological impact in the upcoming decades.

Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Superconducting gap of H3S measured by tunnelling spectroscopy

News Publication Date: 23-Apr-2025

Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08895-2

References: Nature, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08895-2

Image Credits: Not provided

Keywords

Superconduction, Room temperature, Hydrogen

This groundbreaking research, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, focuses on a pivotal tool from quantum information science known as quantum Fisher information (QFI). The study delves into how electron interactions evolve under extreme conditions, particularly at what is referred to as a quantum critical point—the boundary between distinct states of matter. This critical point marks an extraordinary moment when the entanglement among electrons reaches its zenith, unveiling details about the operation of these strange metals. By utilizing QFI, the researchers aim to measure and understand how these electron interactions shift drastically as critical transitions occur in the material’s structure.

Strange metals, by their very nature, do not conform to the familiar laws governing traditional metals. While materials like copper or gold exhibit predictable electrical behaviors that align with established physical theories, strange metals present a more intricate picture. Their unusual characteristics, such as unconventional resistance to electrical flow and unpredictable behaviors at low temperatures, challenge standard expectations. As the lead author, Qimiao Si, who holds the position of the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Rice, stated, the integration of quantum information theory into the study of strange metals provides a transformative lens through which to examine their complexities. The results of their study underline that electron entanglement, a foundational principle of quantum mechanics, peaks at critical points within the framework of these strange materials, illuminating their exotic behaviors.

To investigate the profound mysteries embedded in strange metals, the research team settled on the theoretical concept of the Kondo lattice, a model that describes the intriguing interactions between magnetic moments and their associated electrons. As the interactions intensify and collide at the critical transition point, the essential quasiparticles that underpin metallic conductivity begin to vanish. This loss of quasiparticles is not merely a trivial detail; it signals a drastic alteration in the metal’s electronic properties. By applying quantum Fisher information, the scientists mapped the relationship between the entanglement of electron spins and the loss of quasiparticles, marking the critical point at which entanglement peaks. This pivotal finding serves as a beacon for understanding the underlying physics governing these peculiar metals.

The implications of this research extend far beyond theoretical pursuits. The study correlates well with empirical evidence gathered through inelastic neutron scattering experiments, a powerful technique utilized to explore materials’ atomic structures. The alignment of theoretical predictions with experimental data strengthens the argument that quantum entanglement is central to discern the unpredictable behavior of strange metals, elevating their relevance within the realm of material science and condensed matter physics.

The significance of unlocking the mysteries of strange metals is profound. The connection between strange metals and high-temperature superconductors hints at a future where electricity can flow without resistance, revolutionizing power transmission systems. Such advancements may not only enhance efficiency in energy distribution but could facilitate the creation of more sustainable power grids, mitigating energy loss. Thus, while the study presents an academic challenge, it underscores vast potential applications that address real-world energy concerns.

Additionally, the research opens new avenues for exploring exotic materials using quantum information tools. As scientists delve deeper into the quantum mechanics underlying these complex systems, new opportunities arise for innovative technologies harnessing enhanced entanglement. As Qimiao Si eloquently remarked, by merging quantum information science with condensed matter physics, researchers are forging a path toward a new era in materials research, one that promises exciting developments yet to come.

This pioneering endeavor involved a diverse research team comprising notable figures from Rice University, including Yuan Fang, Yiming Wang, Mounica Mahankali, and Lei Chen, along with collaborations from Haoyu Hu of the Donostia International Physics Center and Silke Paschen from the Vienna University of Technology. Their combined efforts, underpinned by support from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, underscore the collective drive to decode the enigmatic phenomena associated with strange metals.

In conclusion, the discovery of the unique entanglement patterns exhibited by strange metals not only provides critical insights into their fundamental properties but also paves the way for future advancements in quantum technologies. The intersection of quantum mechanics and materials science is yielding unprecedented understandings that may redefine energy efficiency and technological capabilities for generations to come. As the journey into the intricate world of strange metals continues, scientists are poised to unravel even more profound mysteries, heralding a new era in physics and engineering.

Subject of Research: Quantum entanglement and its implications for strange metals
Article Title: Amplified multipartite entanglement witnessed in a quantum critical metal
News Publication Date: March 14, 2025
Web References: Nature Communications
References: 10.1038/s41467-025-57778-7
Image Credits: Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University

Keywords

1. Electron theory of metals
2. Quantum entanglement
3. Quantum information science
4. Quantum magnetism
5. Quantum criticality
6. Quantum mechanics