SLAC scientists find conclusive proof of a mysterious third type of magnetism
For nearly 90 years, scientists believed magnetism fell into just two categories, but researchers have now confirmed a remarkable third type called altermagnetism.
For nearly 90 years, scientists believed magnetism fell into just two categories, but researchers have now confirmed a remarkable third type called altermagnetism.
The short version
- Using specialized X-rays, they uncovered a unique magnetic signature that proves these materials behave differently from conventional magnets.
- Altermagnets combine stability with the ability to efficiently carry information, potentially overcoming major limitations in today's electronics.
- The discovery could lead to faster computers, more efficient data centers, and breakthroughs in quantum technology.
What happened
For nearly 90 years, physicists have divided magnetic materials into two main categories: ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. Now, scientists have confirmed that a third type exists, revealing a previously unrecognized form of magnetic behavior that could lead to major advances in computing and electronics.
Why it matters
The breakthrough comes from a research team led by the U.S.
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