Scientists from the California Technological Institute (Calfacia) have made a groundbreaking discovery during a revolutionary experiment. They recorded a quantum effect known as the “noise of the Barkgauzen”, which occurs when small magnets in a material reorient by groups under the influence of a magnetic field, creating a crackling sound effect. This discovery could have significant implications for the future development of quantum sensors and electronic devices.
The experiment involved the use of a crystal of Holmium-Titri Flteride, which was chilled to temperatures near absolute zero. A coil was wound around the crystal, a magnetic field was applied, and short-term voltage surges were recorded, similar to what Barkgauzen observed in 1919. The voltage surges indicated that groups of electron spins were changing their magnetic orientation. Scientists analyzed these “noises” and found that quantum effects were responsible for these magnetic reorientations, which were insensitive to changes in temperature.
Thomas Rosenbaum, a physics professor at Caltech, highlighted the significance of observing quantum behavior in materials with trillions of spins, stating that ensembles of microscopic objects behave in a coordinated manner. This discovery aligns with the focus of research in his laboratory, which involves identifying and analyzing quantum mechanical effects.
Previous studies conducted by the same laboratory demonstrated how small quantum effects could lead to macroscopic changes, using chromium as an example. The research showed that different types of charge modulations could interact at the quantum level, revealing the possibility of studying quantum behavior on a larger scale.