Physicists have uncovered a link between magnetism and a mysterious phase of matter called the pseudogap, which appears in certain quantum materials just above the temperature at which they become superconducting. The findings could help researchers design new materials with sought-after properties such as high-temperature superconductivity, in which electric current flows without resistance.

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Researchers discovered a universal magnetic pattern in the pseudogap phase of quantum materials using ultracold atom quantum simulators. The pseudogap appears just above superconducting temperatures, and the study reveals that subtle magnetic order persists even when electrons are removed through doping. Using a quantum gas microscope, the team captured over 35,000 snapshots showing magnetic correlations follow a universal pattern linked to pseudogap temperature. The findings demonstrate that electrons form complex multiparticle structures rather than simple pairs, with single dopants disrupting magnetic order over large areas. This breakthrough could advance understanding of high-temperature superconductivity and guide design of new materials with improved superconducting properties.

Physicists uncover hidden magnetic order in the mysterious pseudogap phase