Discovery in quantum materials could make electronics 1,000 times faster

Northeastern University researchers have made a breakthrough in quantum materials that could revolutionize electronics. By using controlled heating and cooling, they can instantly switch a material between conducting and insulating states at near room temperature. This "thermal quenching" technique could make electronics 1,000 times faster and more efficient, potentially replacing silicon components with smaller, faster quantum materials. The discovery enables terahertz processing speeds and maintains the programmed state for months, opening new possibilities for device engineering and quantum computing.