Quantum 'pinball' state of matter in electrons allows both conducting and insulating properties, physicists discover

Physicists Discover Bizarre “Quantum Pinball” State of Matter

Physicists have discovered how to make electrons “freeze” and “melt” into bizarre quantum patterns, forming a new kind of matter where solid and liquid coexist. Electricity drives nearly every aspect of modern life, from powering vehicles and smartphones to running computers and countless other devices. Although electrons are invisible to the naked eye, their organized [...]

Quantum 'pinball' state of matter in electrons allows both conducting and insulating properties, physicists discover

Electricity powers our lives, including our cars, phones, computers, and more, through the movement of electrons within a circuit. While we can't see these electrons, electric currents moving through a conductor flow like water through a pipe to produce electricity.

FSU physicists discover new state of matter in electrons, platform to study quantum phenomena

Tallahassee FL (SPX) Nov 12, 2025 Electricity powers our lives, including our cars, phones, computers and more, through the movement of electrons within a circuit. While we can't see these electrons, electric currents moving through a conductor flow like water through a pipe to produce electricity. Certain materials, however, allow that electron flow to "freeze" into crystallized shapes, triggering a transition in the stat