ZrTe₅ shows unique heat conduction under magnetic fields

Researchers have discovered new behavior in the semimetal zirconium pentatelluride (ZrTe₅) when exposed to high magnetic fields and very low temperatures. Their study revealed significant heat oscillations that challenge previous beliefs about how heat is transported in semimetals. Traditionally, it has been thought that in semimetals, heat conduction is primarily influenced by phonons, or lattice vibrations, rather than by electrons. This study suggests that under strong magnetic fields, electrons become confined into discrete energy levels. This confinement enhances the interaction between electrons and phonons, leading to unusual heat conduction behaviors. The findings showed that despite the low availability of conductive electrons in semimetals, quantum effects can lead to observable oscillations in heat transport. The research indicates that this mechanism is not unique to ZrTe₅ but applies to other low-density semimetals as well, like graphene and bismuth. This research could have implications for the development of future quantum technologies, especially since topological materials like ZrTe₅ are being considered for use in quantum computers and advanced electronics. The work has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, further expanding our understanding of quantum materials.