Researchers Discover Quantum Oscillations Defying Physics Rules

Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a groundbreaking discovery in quantum physics, identifying quantum oscillations within an insulating material. This finding, published on November 9, 2025, challenges established scientific assumptions and suggests that these oscillations originate from the material’s bulk rather than its surface. The implications of this work could point towards a “new duality” in materials science, where certain compounds may exhibit characteristics of both metals and insulators.

Uncovering the Mystery of Quantum Oscillations

The research team, led by physicist Lu Li, examined a phenomenon known as quantum oscillations, which typically occurs in metals when electrons act like tiny springs in response to magnetic fields. By altering the strength of these magnetic fields, scientists can observe changes in the oscillations. Surprisingly, recent studies have shown that these oscillations also manifest in insulators, materials traditionally understood to resist the flow of electricity and heat.

Li explained that there has been considerable debate within the scientific community regarding whether these oscillations occur solely on the surface of insulators or if they extend deeper into the material. To investigate this further, Li and his international team of scientists conducted experiments at the National Magnetic Field Laboratory, which houses some of the world’s most powerful magnets.

“What we found is that the oscillations are not just surface effects; they originate from the bulk of the material,” Li stated, expressing both excitement and frustration about the discovery. “We have recorded experimental evidence of a remarkable phenomenon, but we are still figuring out its potential applications.”

A Collaborative Effort Yields Significant Results

The study involved over a dozen researchers from six institutions in the United States and Japan, including research fellow Kuan-Wen Chen and graduate students from the University of Michigan. Chen noted the significance of their findings, saying, “We are excited to provide clear evidence that the oscillations are bulk and intrinsic, answering a fundamental question about the carrier origin in this exotic insulator.”

Li described this discovery as part of a “new duality” in physics. The traditional duality, recognized over a century ago, revealed that light and matter exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. The new duality suggests that certain materials can behave as both conductors and insulators. The researchers explored this concept using a compound known as ytterbium boride (YbB12), placing it in a magnetic field of 35 Tesla, which is approximately 35 times stronger than that of a hospital MRI machine.

“Our findings challenge the simplistic view that there is a clear distinction between conductive surfaces and insulating interiors,” Li remarked. “The entire compound behaves like a metal, even though it is fundamentally an insulator.”

Although this “metal-like” behavior is only observable under extreme magnetic conditions, the discovery raises important questions regarding the quantum-level behavior of materials. As graduate student Yuan Zhu pointed out, “Confirming that the oscillations are bulk and intrinsic is exciting. We still do not know what neutral particles are responsible for this observation, and we hope our findings will encourage further research.”

The project received support from several organizations, including the U.S. National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

As researchers continue to delve into the complexities of materials science, this discovery represents a significant step towards unraveling the mysteries of quantum phenomena and their potential applications in future technologies.