Room-temperature quantum material created from gold atoms

Scientists have created the first quantum material that operates at room temperature, using gold atoms to form a structure that filters light based on its quantum properties. The material, called a quantum statistical plasmonic metacrystal, was developed by a team at the University of Cambridge and reported in the journal Nature. This breakthrough could lead to practical quantum technologies that do not require expensive cooling systems.

The material affects light in a way similar to how semiconductors control electrons, sorting photons by their quantum statistics. This means it can distinguish between different types of quantum light, such as single photons and pairs of photons. The achievement is significant because previous quantum materials only worked at extremely low temperatures, limiting their real-world applications.

The researchers built the metacrystal by arranging gold nanoparticles into a precise lattice. When light hits the structure, it interacts with plasmons—collective oscillations of electrons—to produce quantum effects at room temperature. The team demonstrated that the material can filter light based on whether it is bunched or antibunched, a key quantum property.

This development opens the door for quantum devices like sensors, communication systems, and computers that can operate in everyday environments. The next steps involve refining the material and exploring its use in practical quantum circuits. The researchers believe this approach could be extended to other metals and structures, potentially leading to a new class of room-temperature quantum materials.