There are many other uses for quantum materials,so let’s talk about them.As well as breakdown how they are integrated. Also I just want a chance to talk about the James Webb Telescope. So, stick with me on this one.

Briefly before we get started. Keep in mind that most particles, especially electrons have something called spin. This spin can be classified as either up or down. This spin makes materials magnetic if they are metals. This spin follows certain rules, and it can also be used to classify certain quantum materials. So let’s cover some.

Spin Liquids: This is one of four states of matter that is a liquid. This liquid is unique because it can be formed by the spins of certain magnetic materials. The magnetic order of them is all over the place, and is not unified. They can be easily quantum entangled, and weakly attracted to magnetic fields. Their behavior can be compared to ferromagnetic fluids. They are being looked into as a possible data storage method, and for computer memory applications.

Spin Glass: The name of this material is a bit misleading as it is less of a material, and more of a state of being. It refers to a magnetic state where the spins of the particles are affected randomly by magnetic fields. The spins will act disordered in the field, and the material itself will be considered metastable. This means that the particles are in stable configurations that are not in their lowest possible energy state. They are one of the most difficult materials to study in simulations and in practical experiments. However, they are finding uses in AI neural networks, and other quantum material research.

Spin Ice: This is a magnetic material that does not have a minimal energy state. A minimal energy state is also considered a ground state. This state refers to when the system has zero energy in it. Therefore, a spin ice always has energy in its system. It has magnetic strength that allows it to form complex structures in any direction. They commonly have low-energy properties, and its spin has a configuration that is commonly seen in water based ice.

Most quantum materials have strange electronic properties that change our idea of how the spin on unpaired electrons work. This feeds the concept of something called Frustration.(An accurate description for a confused scientist in this field) Frustration happens when the geometry of the structure should now allow for all the spins to align with each other. But they do.

Frustration allows scientists to build a large amount of energy states in quantum materials. This allows for complicated spin structures to form, which in turn creates entanglements in the material.

Before we go any farther we should talk about quantum entanglement, as entanglement and quantum entanglement plays a huge factor in what we are talking about.

- Quantum Entanglement happens when particles are generated, interact, or are so close together that each particle’s state cannot be defined from one another. This is the core concept that separates classical and quantum physics.

Entangled particles become so linked that scientists can’t even distinguish the spin from each individual particle. Einstein first called this effect the “spooky action at a distance”. Materials that showcase this entangled effect can be useful for data storage and memory because the data can exist in the same place at the same time.

Chemistry is a huge part of building quantum materials because in order to develop them you have to create quantum states out of the different elements on the periodic table. Materials that scientists are particularly interested in are soft materials. These materials can have different magnetic properties than solid ones based on their elemental makeup. Magnetic atoms such as manganese or iron, or the size of the atom can move electrons to different orbitals. During this process, the atom can also change sizes. This in turn can affect the lattice structure of the material. This is often seen in solids. In organic or soft materials, this process usually doesn't happen. This can allow for a smoother spin crossover to happen, and for a better energy transfer to occur.

Application wise, this means faster computers, less power needed, and more efficiency.

Now let’s dive into 2D and 3D quantum materials.

2D quantum materials are starting to be pursued as a possible way to make the application of these materials more efficient. The 2D version of these states exhibit the same properties, but are very thin and plate-like. They also have very unique characteristics.

2D quantum materials are used to create tunable quantum states. They are described as being “all interface”. They are very easily synthesized, and because they are so thin they can concentrate energy in one particular place. This can make light and matter interactions more visible.

Combining these concepts together can help us to build Metal-free, biocompatible silicon quantum dots, silicon-based nanomaterials and semiconductor photolithography instruments. Which we can use in a variety of tools. As well as developments in nanoelectronics.

Now to something I think we’ve all been waiting to talk about for over ten years. The James Webb Telescope. Or the 10 Billion Dollar Camera that likes to keep it: Coors Light cold.

So as you might have heard or guessed, this is the most expensive telescope in the world, and it needs to complete a bucket full of missions while operating in temperatures well below minus 455 degrees Fahrenheit. As well as helping us further bridge the gap between classical and quantum physics.

As we covered above, certain quantum materials can operate and carry energy below zero. So let's take a look at what James Webb has on board.

In order to detect most things in the Universe, it needs a mirror that has to be over 6.5 meters across to refract light. As well as processing images in extreme cold in a vacuum.

Webb engineers built 18 mirrors that act together as one big mirror when packaged into three different sections. Each mirror is made of beryllium, and weighs 20 kilos.

- Beryllium ions are currently being used to try and detect dark matter particles, so this element has a huge amount of uses when it comes to uses in astrophysics.

Beryllium is known for holding its shape at cryogenic temperatures. It is also very strong and is an excellent conductor of electricity, heat, and is not magnetic. However, it is also very toxic if inhaled. For James Webb, they tested these pieces of beryllium multiple times under conditions that matched outer space.

After creating these mirrors, the engineers then added a layer of gold. This thin layer of gold improves the mirror’s reflection with infrared light. The gold is only about 100 nanometers thick, and was applied to the telescope using a vacuum chamber.

There are many technologies that the James Webb Telescope has already helped us with even before it’s launched. This is because of all the challenges that needed to be tackled to make sure the tools we wanted to send up would make it there safely.

The first piece of technology it has helped us develop is assistance to human eyesight. The wavefront technology NASA used to measure the mirrors of the spacecraft have helped us to accurately measure the human eye, diagnosing ocular diseases and improve eye surgery.

Webb has also helped save the Hubble Space Telescope. So if you needed a better example of the greatest spacecraft bro-ship of all time: here it is. Webb’s application-specific integrated units (ASICs) have been decided to make an entire circuit board of electronics fit easily into small confined spaces. ASICs are programmable for different applications, and in one of the last Hubble missions, astronauts were able to install one of these devices into the telescope. This was able to fix Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys.
The infrared sensors developed for Webb are now also used for other spacecraft missions. These sensors pick up weak light emitted from galaxies, planets, and stars. Hubble, and countless observatories around the world now use these sensors.