QuantumWire

Recently, a research team composed of several Japanese universities and research institutions discovered a new one-dimensional topological insulator. By preparing and observing a single helical chain composed of tellurium (Te) atoms, the team proved that the electric charges did indeed appear at the endpoints of the chains, concluding that the Te single helical chain is a one-dimensional topological insulator material. Topological insulators are electrically insulating inside, with electrons not easily moving; however, their surfaces are electrically conductive, allowing electrons to move along the surface. One-dimensional topological insulators are crucial to quantum physics because the charges at their endpoints can be used to constitute qubits.