Wave-like motion is the property of a liquid in which large molecules repel each other and can form distinct eddies regardless of the direction of the main flow. However, electrons are very small and therefore more sensitive than each other to the influence of the surrounding space.

Opening details

• In theory, an electric current can only resemble a liquid under ideal conditions such as absolute zero temperature and materials of absolute purity.
• This is a very attractive target for engineers because it opens up a new way to create superconductors.
• A research group from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has managed to create a simplified model that can be used to observe some of the effects of converting current to liquid under normal conditions.
• The basis of the experiment is the study of the properties of the named material. tungsten ditelluridIt is characterized by high purity.
• The team carved a narrow channel for the movement of electrons into a plate of this material, on which two round traps were made on the sides.
• In a similar structure made of gold, which is a very good conductor, electrons flowed through the channel in one direction and continued to move in the same direction even after being trapped.
• And in a device made of tungsten ditelluride, electrons are captured. began to bend and change the direction of its movements.

Schematic representation of electron flows / Photograph MIT

The scientists explain that these are predicted “electron vortices” in which the effects of fluid behavior, not the flow of particles, are observed. And this means that scientists can now learn to control electric current in a completely new way, leading to new technologies.