Electron molecular crystals’ image captured for first time reveals new quantum phase

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have captured the first images of a Wigner molecular crystal, or "electron ice," using scanning tunneling microscopy. This occurs when cooled electrons form a stable grid-like structure. The team overcame challenges by minimizing the electric field at the microscope tip and using twisted tungsten disulfide. This breakthrough enables studying a new quantum phase and exploring applications in quantum technologies. The discovery advances understanding of charged particle ordering and the interaction between quantum mechanics and electrostatic forces.