Detecting four magnetic states with neutrons (IMAGE)
Caption
A single crystal of LiNi0.8Fe0.2PO4 can host can host four different magnetic states (shown in red, green, yellow and blue). In each state, the atomic magnets inside the material follow an antiferromagnetic pattern, where neighbouring spins point in opposite directions (as illustrated in the zoom-in of each state), but the overall orientation of this pattern differs. The grey arrows represent neutrons used to probe the crystal. Because neutrons behave like tiny magnetic probes, they interact with the atomic magnets in the material and are affected differently depending on the magnetic state they encounter. By analysing these changes, researchers can determine which of the four states is present. The illustration on the wall shows how a four-state (“quaternary”) memory could encode information more efficiently: the text “D3” requires eight units in conventional binary memory but only four units in a four-state system.
Credit
Nature Communications (2026)
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted.
License
CC BY-NC-ND