Science

New research uncovers chiral topological phases in metals without structural order

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Briefings

Recent research identifies chiral topological phases in metals lacking structural order, where left- and right-handed fermions coexist without conventional symmetry breaking. This discovery challenges traditional models of electronic behavior in non-crystalline solids, suggesting new pathways for quantum materials. The study relies on theoretical frameworks rather than direct experimental observation of the phase transition itself.

Key points

• Chiral fermions exist in left- and right-handed versions, analogous to left and right gloves.
• Nearly metallic solid-state crystals were discovered 15 years ago to host electronic versions of massless chiral fermions.

Context

Chiral fermions are fundamental particles in physics, including electrons and exotic neutrino variants. While high-energy neutrinos have mass, solid-state crystals hosting chiral fermions were recently identified, offering a new class of quantum materials.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to theoretical proposals and historical context; no direct experimental observation of the chiral phase transition is provided. The discovery relies on established theoretical frameworks rather than empirical data.

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