Scientists at the Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed the first atomic movies that show how atoms rearrange within a quantum material as it transitions from an insulator to a metal. This research, published in Nature Materials, utilized the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis technique with X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities to better understand the properties of transitioning materials. By capturing atomic movement, the scientists were able to settle a scientific debate and discover a new material phase that could lead to the design of new materials with commercial applications.
The researchers used the XFEL facility called the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) to create movies showcasing atomic movement as the quantum material transitioned between insulating and metallic states. This methodological achievement has opened up new possibilities for studying material changes on picosecond time scales, a task that was not feasible with synchrotron light sources. The team of scientists included physicists from various institutions and facilities in order to successfully apply the PDF technique at the XFEL facility and observe material transitions in detail.
Understanding the atomic routes of transitioning materials is crucial for designing materials that can be optimized for various commercial applications such as computing, chemistry, and energy storage. Being able to manipulate the atomic routes of transitioning materials can lead to the development of high-performance materials that are efficient, reliable, and resistant to unwanted phase switching. The successful incorporation of the PDF technique at an XFEL facility represents a significant achievement that required a collaborative effort from researchers across different disciplines and institutions.
In addition to observing the insulator to metal transition in the quantum material, the researchers also investigated non-equilibrium transitions induced by laser pulses. By perturbing a few atoms with laser light, the scientists were able to observe how the local changes propagated throughout the material, ultimately leading to the discovery of a new material phase. This discovery has shed light on the transient intermediate states that quantum materials can exhibit when excited by external triggers, providing insight into previously unknown phases of matter.
The researchers plan to further explore complex phase switches in quantum materials using the ultrafast PDF technique, with the goal of unlocking the full potential of this new method for studying material transitions. By continuing to investigate material phase transitions, the scientific community hopes to develop a deeper understanding of fundamental physics, explore ultrafast phenomena, and advance the design of new materials for various applications. The multidisciplinary collaboration that led to the success of this project highlights the importance of teamwork and shared resources in advancing scientific research and technology development.
Moving forward, the team at Brookhaven National Laboratory is eager to optimize the ultrafast PDF technique, especially as the LCLS facility is upgraded to enable higher resolution molecular movies. The international interest in this technique and its potential applications underscores the significance of this research for the scientific community. With continued support from the DOE Office of Science, the researchers are well-positioned to further explore material phase transitions and contribute to the development of innovative materials with a wide range of practical applications.