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New Mexico Tech’s Dr. Nikolai Kalugin, professor in Materials Engineering, is one of the authors of a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications in late February. The study has unveiled novel quantum states in graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms. This ability to create quantum states by light on demand could pave the way for advancements in quantum computing, sensing, and novel electronic devices.

The researchers demonstrated the creation of non-equilibrium steady states, known as Floquet-Bloch states, using continuous-wave mid-infrared light. This marks a significant departure from previous research.

"This is a major step forward in our understanding of how light interacts with quantum materials," said Dr. Kalugin. "We've shown that by illuminating graphene with continuous mid-infrared light, we can induce entirely new steady electronic states. Our experiment provides a stable platform for their study."

Historically, investigations of Floquet states in solid-state materials have been largely theoretical or dependent on extremely short bursts of light. This new study provides the first experimental evidence of these states in graphene using a continuous light source. Graphene's unique electronic properties, combined with the mid-infrared irradiation, allow scientists to tailor these Floquet states with unprecedented level of control.