Quantum materials

Quantum materials is an umbrella term in condensed matter physics and materials science for solids whose macroscopic properties are governed by quantum-mechanical effects. These effects cannot be (fully) captured by the single-particle theory of solids. The term groups together materials that were long studied by separate communities: unconventional superconductors, strongly correlated electron systems such as Mott insulators, heavy fermion materials, quantum spin liquids, quantum magnets, and topological materials. A recurring theme is emergence, the appearance of collective phenomena and quasiparticles. The phrase came into wide use in the 2010s, first as a successor to "strongly correlated electron systems" and then broadened to take in topological matter. Its adoption was driven by large funding programmes and dedicated research centres (e.g. the Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia or the Department of Quantum Matter Physics at the University of Geneva). Quantum materials are studied both for their fundamental interest and as platforms for quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, spintronics, and low-dissipation electronics.