Understanding how electrons interact in atoms, molecules, and solids is fundamental to explaining why materials behave the way they do. These interactions determine many properties we rely on, such as conductivity, magnetism, and chemical reactivity. However, accurately predicting how electrons behave is still very challenging, especially in systems with many interacting particles. The situation becomes even more complex when a magnetic field is present. In such a field, electrons tend to follow circular or spiral paths instead of moving freely. This changes their motion and breaks certain symmetries in the system, taking, for example, metals and making them insulators.
To help predictability, “quantum simulators” are based on the idea that the behaviour of complex systems can be mimicked in materials themselves using simple components—similar to stacking LEGO bricks. By carefully arranging these building blocks, we can recreate and study quantum phenomena that are otherwise difficult to access or calculate. In this talk, I will introduce the concept of quantum simulation and explain how we can mimic the behaviour of electrons in atoms, molecules, and solids by engineering electronic potentials in semiconductor materials. I will also discuss a recent result: we can simulate materials under extremely strong effective magnetic fields—thousands of Teslas, far beyond what current laboratory magnets can achieve. Under these conditions, we have observed a new electronic phase of matter, revealing previously unexplored behaviour of electrons.
Huygens Colloquia
In the Faculty of Science, a great diversity of exciting research is going on. The Huygens Colloquia are a colloquium series by Faculty of Science employees for all faculty employees and students. Every month, a colleague will discuss their science and their latest results in an accessible way to a wider audience. Access is free and no registration is needed.
