Quantum materials, materials with properties that are influenced by the laws of quantum mechanics, have attracted considerable attention over the past few decades. Their unique properties make these materials advantageous for the development of numerous cutting-edge technologies, including quantum computers, highly sensitive sensors and energy-efficient electronics.

In some quantum materials, electrons strongly interact with each other, producing what are known as correlated quantum phases, states in which the behavior of individual electrons is influenced by the behavior of other electrons. These phases can give rise to desirable properties or effects, including superconductivity, magnetism and collective excitations.

Researchers at University at California at Santa Barbara recently observed charge-neutral propagating collective spin-valley modes, coordinated waves of quantum behavior that carry no electrical charge and are difficult to probe experimentally, in the two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor twisted tungsten diselenide (WSe₂).