A team of researchers from several universities – including
UCF –has observed a rare quantum physics effect that produces a repeating
butterfly-shaped energy spectrum in a magnetic field, confirming the
longstanding prediction of the quantum fractal energy structure called
Hofstadter’s butterfly.
This discovery by the team paves the way for engineering new
types of extraordinary nanoscale materials that can be used to develop smaller,
lighter and faster electronics, including sensors, cell phones, tablets and
laptops.