Researchers from the University of Michigan have made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges established principles in physics. On November 9, 2025, findings published in *Physical Review Letters* revealed quantum oscillations within an insulating material, suggesting that these effects originate from the material’s bulk rather than its surface. This revelation could reshape our understanding of material behavior, indicating that certain compounds may display characteristics of both metals and insulators.
The research, conducted at the National Magnetic Field Laboratory, was led by physicist Lu Li and a collaborative team of over a dozen scientists from institutions across the United States and Japan. With funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, the study delves into a perplexing phenomenon known as quantum oscillations, which typically occur in metals when electrons behave like oscillating springs in response to magnetic fields.
In recent years, scientists detected these oscillations in materials traditionally classified as insulators, leading to questions about the source of this effect. Researchers speculated whether the oscillations were limited to the material’s surface or if they extended deeper into its bulk. Li’s team focused on this distinction, aiming to provide clarity on whether these oscillations stemmed from intrinsic properties of the material or were simply surface phenomena.
A Breakthrough in Understanding Material Behavior
Utilizing the world’s most powerful magnets, Li and his team conducted experiments that definitively showed the oscillations were not solely surface effects. Instead, the data indicated that the oscillations originated from within the material itself. “What we have right now is experimental evidence of a remarkable phenomenon,” Li commented, acknowledging the excitement surrounding their findings despite the lack of immediate practical applications.
The research involved contributions from several graduate students, including Kuan-Wen Chen, Yuan Zhu, Guoxin Zheng, Dechen Zhang, Aaron Chan, and Kaila Jenkins. Chen expressed the significance of the findings, stating, “For years, scientists have pursued the answer to a fundamental question about the carrier origin in this exotic insulator: Is it from the bulk or the surface, intrinsic or extrinsic? We are excited to provide clear evidence that it is bulk and intrinsic.”
Li describes their discovery as part of a “new duality” in materials science. This concept parallels the traditional duality seen in physics, where light and matter exhibit both wave and particle properties. The emerging duality suggests that certain materials can act as both conductors and insulators, a notion that could have implications for future technological applications.
Exploring the Implications of Quantum Oscillations
The team studied a compound known as ytterbium boride (YbB12) under an intense magnetic field of 35 Tesla, significantly stronger than those typically used in medical imaging. This strength is crucial for observing the material’s unique properties. Li elaborated on their findings, stating, “Effectively, we’re showing that this naive picture where we envisioned a surface with good conduction that’s feasible to use in electronics is completely wrong. It’s the whole compound that behaves like a metal even though it’s an insulator.”
While this “metal-like” behavior manifests under extreme conditions, it raises intriguing questions about the nature of materials at the quantum level. Graduate student Zhu remarked on the significance of confirming that the oscillations are bulk and intrinsic, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the neutral particles potentially responsible for these observations.
The project garnered additional support from various organizations, including the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing scientific understanding and tackling complex challenges.
As the research community continues to explore these findings, the implications for future technological advancements remain speculative but promising. The study not only enriches our comprehension of material science but also invites further questions about the fundamental nature of the universe.
