In a new study, physicists at the University of Basel in Switzerland have used a quantum simulator to show how parts of electrons move at different speeds in a one-dimensional (1D) material. This observation is the first of its kind and provides new insights into the behavior of electrons in these materials.

In 1D materials, electrons are confined to move in a single dimension. This confinement can lead to a variety of interesting effects, including the formation of charge density waves. Charge density waves are regions where the electron density is higher or lower than the average. They can move through the material like waves, and their speed depends on the strength of the interactions between the electrons.

The researchers used a quantum simulator to create a 1D material and then measured the speed of the charge density waves. They found that the speed of the waves was inversely proportional to the strength of the interactions between the electrons. This means that the stronger the interactions, the slower the waves moved.

This observation is the first of its kind and provides new insights into the behavior of electrons in 1D materials. It could also lead to the development of new electronic devices based on these materials.

The study is published in the journal Nature Physics.