Researchers from the University of Regensburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, and Forschungszentrum Jülich tracked these events, known as Landau-Zener-Majorana transitions, using a novel slow-motion imaging technique. To capture the extremely rapid phenomena, the team paired advanced laser systems with a photoemission momentum microscope that maps electron energies and movements across the solid material's entire energy landscape. The study required exceptionally pure graphene samples just one atom thick to drive the electrons between energy bands. This direct observation provides critical clarity regarding quantum behavior that unfolds far too quickly for conventional laboratory tools.
Key points
Direct observation of Landau-Zener-Majorana transitions proves electrons can cross forbid…: Direct observation of Landau-Zener-Majorana transitions proves electrons can cross forbidden energy gaps with up to 100% probability.
Using intense light pulses allows researchers to drive electron movement between energy b…: Using intense light pulses allows researchers to drive electron movement between energy bands across an entire material landscape simultaneously.
These real-time insights into rapid quantum behavior could help advance the future develo…: These real-time insights into rapid quantum behavior could help advance the future development of light-controlled electronics.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Date:
- November 13, 2026
- Source:
- Forschungszentrum Juelich
- Summary:
- Scientists have captured electrons making seemingly impossible jumps across forbidden energy gaps in graphene, with some transitions occurring at a remarkable 100% probability. The breakthrough offers an unprecedented look at quantum behavior and could help unlock a new generation of ultrafast, light-controlled electronics.
- Share:
Physicists have captured an extraordinary quantum phenomenon in which electrons appear to leap across energy gaps that would normally be off limits. Using a new type of slow-motion electron camera, researchers were able to watch these incredibly fast movements in graphene, revealing how powerful electric fields can drive electrons between different energy states.
The effect is similar to stepping into an elevator and watching the floor display change from "1," "2," and "3" directly to "20." Instead of traveling through the seventeen floors in between, you somehow arrive at the twentieth floor. Although this sounds impossible in everyday life, electrons can make comparable jumps in the quantum world.
These unusual events are known as Landau-Zener-Majorana transitions. Physicists have long suspected that…
Modern forensic analysis of remains from the First Dynasty royal cemetery in Abydos indicates early pharaohs engaged in retainer sacrifice. Researchers identified fatal head trauma on numerous attendants, demonstrating that monarchs wielded lethal power over their households to ensure service in the afterlife. The discovery confirms a century-old archaeological suspicion that previously lacked physical proof.
Ongoing deaths and permanent emigrations are pushing Asian elephant populations past a social threshold that permanently fractures their traditionally dense community structures. These deepening divisions threaten essential herd cooperation, leaving animals struggling to coordinate foraging, share survival information, and raise their calves.
Emerging from A*STAR in November 2025, Healbac is engineering stem-cell-derived antimicrobial molecules that burst bacterial membranes to bypass standard drug-resistance mechanisms. The biotechnology venture aims to provide veterinarians with early intervention treatments for animal ear and skin conditions before traditional systemic antibiotics become necessary. This veterinary rollout establishes practical validation for a versatile platform that may eventually eliminate chemical additives from processed food su…