Experimental observation of a new class of materials: Excitonic insulators: Scientists make first observation of an 'excitonic insulator', an exotic state first predicted in 1960s

A new study has found evidence of a new phase of matter predicted in the 1960s: the excitonic insulator, which has been keenly pursued by condensed matter physicists and 2D material scientists. The unique signatures of an excitonic insulating phase were observed in antimony Sb(110) nanoflakes. The University of Wollongong/Monash University collaboration provides a novel strategy to search for more excitonic insulators, which are potentially capable of carrying exicton superfluids.