\u201cThe material fluctuates between two different states<\/a>, as if it cannot decide which one it wants to adopt,\u201d she explained. \u201cIn this fluctuating regime, the quasiparticle picture is thought to lose its meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n At extremely low temperatures, the team detected a distinct topological signal in the form of a spontaneous, or anomalous, Hall effect. In the Hall effect, charge carriers are normally deflected by a magnetic field.<\/p>\n In the current case, the deflection appeared without any external field, which was an unmistakable sign of topological behavior<\/a>. The charge carriers behaved like particles, even though the usual particle model no longer applied in this material.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, the effect was strongest exactly where quantum fluctuations were most intense. \u201cWhen these fluctuations are suppressed by pressure or magnetic fields, the topological properties disappear,\u201d Kirschbaum continued.<\/p>\n A new quantum state<\/p>\n According to Silke B\u00fchler-Paschen, PhD, a physics professor at TU Wien, the result came as a major surprise and shows that topological states need to be defined in broader terms. <\/p>\n \u201cIn fact, it turns out that a particle picture is not required to generate topological properties,\u201d B\u00fchler-Paschen pointed out in a statement<\/a>. \u201cThe concept can indeed be generalized \u2013 the topological distinctions then emerge in a more abstract, mathematical way.\u201d <\/p>\n The experiments further suggested that topological properties can emerge even in the absence of particle-like states. The newly discovered state, which the team calls emergent topological semimetal, was also supported by theoretical work carried out in collaboration with Rice University in Texas. <\/p>\n Lei Chen, a researcher and co\u2013first author of the study working in the group of Qimiao Si, PhD, the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University, developed a new model that links quantum criticality with topology.<\/p>\n \u201cBy merging these fields, we ventured into uncharted territory,\u201d Chen noted in a press release<\/a>. \u201cWe were surprised to find that the quantum criticality itself could generate topological behavior, especially in a setting with strong interactions.\u201d<\/p>\n According to the scientists, the discovery offers a practical roadmap for finding new topological materials. Quantum-critical behavior is already known in many classes of compounds and is relatively easy to identify experimentally.<\/p>\n \u201cKnowing what to search for allows us to explore this phenomenon more systematically,\u201d Si concluded. \u201cIt\u2019s not just a theoretical insight, it\u2019s a step toward developing real technologies that harness the deepest principles of quantum physics.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Z3_9f7ca7.jpg\" "\\"New")
In the Microkelvin Lab at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien).
Credit: TU Wien<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Z4_4ba0d1.jpg\" "\\"New")
Qimiao Si, PhD, (middle) a Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor at Rice University.
Credit: Jeff Fitlow \/ Rice University<\/a><\/p>\n