Kagome metals: Magnetic control of current opens new possibilities
Japanese scientists have, for the first time, demonstrated that weak magnetic fields can alter the direction of currents in unique kagome metals, amplifying electrical switching by a factor of 100. This discovery could pave the way for the development of new types of magnetic devices and highly sensitive sensors.
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Japanese researchers have studied the behavior of electricity in kagome metals—materials whose atoms are arranged in a geometric pattern reminiscent of the traditional Japanese design made of interwoven triangles.
The scientists discovered that even weak magnetic fields can alter the direction of circulating electric currents within the metal. This change affects conductivity in different directions, creating a diode-like effect where current flows more easily in one direction.
Quantum geometric effects amplify this electrical switching by about 100 times. This study is the first to provide a theoretical explanation for the unusual magnetic switching observed since 2020.
In kagome metals, atoms are arranged in such a way that electrons cannot form ordered structures and instead create complex quantum states, including circulating currents.
The experiments were conducted by cooling the metals to -190°C. At this temperature, electrons move along circular paths, forming wave-like structures. Weak magnetic fields change the direction of these currents, which in turn alters the preferred direction of electric flow.
Kagome metals were discovered around 2020. The research has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.