Quantum materials exhibit unique properties governed by the principles of quantum mechanics. These materials are central to next-generation technologies and applications, including quantum computing, superconductivity, and energy applications. Researchers are focusing on sophisticated nanoscale techniques that allow them to probe and manipulate quantum phenomena with high precision.
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New research also focuses on understanding quantum behavior at material interfaces, as these regions dictate many of the emergent properties seen in layered and hybrid quantum systems.
New Nanoscale Techniques Driving Quantum Materials Research
Atomic-Scale Imaging & Spectroscopy
Improved and advanced atomic-scale imaging techniques have allowed researchers to visualize quantum states with clarity. Advanced high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) can achieve sub-angstrom precision, allowing for the direct observation of atomic arrangements and electronic wavefunctions in quantum materials. In this regard, a 2025 study integrated integrating Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) with scanning tunneling microscopy to achieve sub-angstrom precision in nanoscale thermometry. Researchers have devised a technique to directly measure temperature at the atomic scale by examining the energy splitting and occupancy ratios of quantum spin states. This approach allows precise thermal measurements with a resolution of 10 mK at approximately 1 K, which surpasses conventional scanning thermal microscopy techniques. Moreover, this study also introduced a technique for detecting thermal gradients as small as 5 mK/nm, which is very significant in terms of nanoscale heat management and quantum sensing applications. 1
Similarly, novel spectroscopic techniques, such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) with enhanced energy and momentum resolution, are offering a more detailed understanding of the electronic band structure of quantum materials. 2
Single Spin Quantum Sensing
Quantum sensing techniques based on single spin detection support nanoscale material characterization. For instance, NV centers, defects in diamond crystals, can act as highly sensitive magnetic field sensors. Researchers can detect quantum coherence and spin interactions at material boundaries with high precision by utilizing the quantum properties of these centers. This capability is crucial for understanding the interaction between spin, charge, and orbital degrees of freedom in quantum materials and for developing spin-based quantum devices. 3
Ultrafast Electron Microscopy & Time-Resolved Probes
The dynamic nature of quantum states requires time-resolved observation techniques. Ultrafast electron microscopy is one such technique that uses femtosecond-scale electron beams to allow researchers to capture real-time snapshots of quantum interactions, such as electron-phonon coupling and non-equilibrium charge dynamics. These capabilities are crucial for understanding materials that exhibit transient quantum states, such as ultrafast superconductors and dynamic charge density waves.
In a recent study, researchers achieved femtosecond quantum tomography by integrating ultrafast transmission electron microscopy (UEM) and diffraction techniques, allowing real-time visualization of atomic and molecular behaviors. This approach uses ultrabright electron sources to create high-resolution molecular movies, which enables researchers to study the structural transformations at the quantum level. Furthermore, unlike X-ray free-electron lasers, these compact, high-brightness electron beams enable laboratory-scale studies of ultrafast electron dynamics, enhancing the understanding of transition states and quantum coherence in molecules. 4
Twist Engineering & Moiré Superlattices
In quantum materials research, twist engineering is a particularly exciting advancement that involves precisely controlling interlayer angles in van der Waals materials. Researchers can engineer new quantum phases at engineered interfaces by precisely controlling the interlayer twisting in these layered materials. The resulting Moiré superlattices, which arise from the interference between the atomic lattices of the layers, can host a variety of exotic quantum phenomena, including unconventional superconductivity, Mott insulating states, and topological phases, which potentially can help develop novel quantum devices with tunable functionalities.
For instance, in a recent study, researchers explored twisted bilayer boron nitride (BN) as a tunable moiré substrate to modify the electronic properties of two-dimensional materials.
They created a periodic electrostatic potential that influences the band structure of bilayer graphene by adjusting the twist angle, leading to observable superlattice resistance peaks and Hofstadter butterfly physics under a magnetic field. Moreover, they demonstrated that varying the dielectric thickness beneath the twisted BN allows control over the moiré potential. The study also showed that near-60°-twisted BN can generate moiré band features through mechanisms such as in-plane piezoelectric effects and out-of-plane corrugation. These findings establish twisted BN as a platform for engineering the electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of van der Waals heterostructures. 5
Future Directions & Impact on Technology
Integrating nanoscale techniques in practical quantum device development is a key focus for the future. Researchers are also focusing on developing novel quantum technologies by combining the ability to probe and manipulate quantum phenomena at the atomic level with the capability to engineer novel quantum phases. The potential impact on quantum computing, next-generation semiconductors, and energy-efficient electronics is immense. For example, the development of robust and scalable quantum bits based on topological materials or Moiré superlattices could advance quantum computing. Similarly, the ability to control and manipulate electronic states at interfaces could lead to the development of ultra-low-power electronic devices and highly efficient solar cells. Overall, as the field progresses, the integration of quantum materials and relevant breakthroughs into commercial applications will shape the future of technology.
References
- Del Castillo, Y., & Fernández-Rossier, J. (2025). Theory of Atomic-Scale Direct Thermometry Using Electron Spin Resonance via Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. Nano Letters. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c05018
- Yang, J., Huang, J., Zhao, L., & Zhou, X. J. (2025). Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Study on Transition-Metal Kagome Materials. Chinese Physics B. https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-1056/adb689
- Basu, T., Patra, A., Murali, M., Saini, M., Banerjee, A., & Som, T. (2025). Diamond Color Center Based Quantum Metrology in Industries for Energy Applications. ACS omega. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.4c04406
- Aseyev, S. A., Mironov, B. N., Poydashev, D. G., Ryabov, E. A., Miller, R. D., Li, Z., ... & Ischenko, A. A. (2025). High spatiotemporal resolution transmission electron microscopy and diffraction: Progress from subnanosecond laser-induced structural dynamics to femtosecond quantum tomography. Nano Today. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nantod.2025.102638
- Wang, X., Xu, C., Aronson, S., Bennett, D., Paul, N., Crowley, P. J., ... & Yasuda, K. (2025). Moiré band structure engineering using a twisted boron nitride substrate. Nature Communications. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55432-2
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