image: Quantum materials contain relativistic particles called Dirac electrons governing unique physical properties. They are sometimes massless and move with the light velocity, being rather like photons than electrons. However, in some organic charge-transfer complexes, they transform themselves between standard and Dirac electrons depending on temperature. Furthermore, they sometimes behave in between.
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Unique physical properties of materials have been the center of interest in material science community. Among them, quantum materials have recently garnered growing attention, because of their unprecedented physical properties governed by photon-like electrons. We have synthesized a series of organic compounds of as a new member of quantum materials. After theoretical and experimental examination, we have discovered universal features of magnetic behavior shared by them. Based on our original theoretical model, the behavior is directly related to a characteristic feature of their band structures called linear band dispersion (LBD). Accordingly, such magnetic behavior is intrinsic and universal to quantum materials with LBD. The findings here will accelerate the understanding and application of quantum materials, which will enable advanced information and communication technology that other materials cannot achieve.
Journal
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters