A team of researchers, led by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has successfully used light to control magnetic fields. This development addresses a long-standing challenge in precisely directing electric currents produced by quantum materials.
The Optical Control Method
The method involves a beam of light flipping the orientation of a magnetic field. When this occurs, the movement direction of electrons along the edges of the quantum material instantly reverses.
This optical control of electric currents is advantageous as it allows for electricity direction without the need for physical wires.
Key Benefits and Future Applications
The technique is described as precise and fast, and it does not require bulky external equipment.
The findings, published in Nature, open new possibilities for managing electricity flow through such materials. This research could contribute to the development of energy-efficient quantum computing devices.