Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DST
Context: A team of scientists has used computational techniques to design a novel 2D composite quantum material that exhibits an exotic quantum property called Rashba splitting.
What is composite quantum material?
A composite quantum material combines two different quantum properties in one substance.
For instance, a 2-D carbide structure named Mo2COX displays both the Rashba effect and nonlinear anomalous Hall effect, offering the potential for advanced spintronic devices.
What is Spintronics?
Spintronics is a technology (used on next-generation nanoelectronic devices) that exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons alongside their charge for innovative electronic devices.
An example is a spin transistor, where electron spin is used for information storage and processing, potentially leading to more energy-efficient and faster electronic devices.
What is Rashba splitting?
Rashba splitting is a quantum phenomenon in materials where spin-up and spin-down electrons separate due to interactions with an electric field.
For instance, in a 2-D carbide material, Rashba splitting causes momentum-dependent separation of electron spin bands, enabling novel spintronic device applications.
Quantum materials possess unique physical properties that stem from quantum effects like coherence and entanglement. These properties have the potential to revolutionize quantum technology applications, including quantum computing, communication, sensors, and memory devices.
