Constructing the new material
To overcome this challenge, scientists at the University of Birmingham used the element ruthenium to build their new material. They arranged the ruthenium atoms in a specific configuration, creating an open framework.

This structure prevented the electrons from settling into a typical ordered state. Instead, the electrons in this material exhibit the fluctuating, entangled behavior characteristic of a quantum spin liquid.

“This work is a really important step in understanding how we can engineer new materials that allow us to explore quantum states of matter,” asserted Dr Lucy Clark, the lead researcher.