Twisted oxide crystals show how atomic patterns alone can trap or repel electrons

Date 27th, Jan 2026
Source Phys.org - Scientific News Websites

DESCRIPTION

It has been revealed that simply twisting and stacking two layers of oxide crystals can allow the atomic arrangement itself to control the behavior of electrons. Much like the new patterns that emerge when two meshes are overlapped and rotated, a twisted oxide interface forms specific atomic configurations that act as an "invisible fence," either trapping or repelling electrons.