A new breakthrough in the study of microscopic particles has achieved what seemed to be only talked about in philosophy. Scientists and researchers have managed to make the electrons of metallic elements move in a motion which will be synonymous with that of water particles. The movement will be so smooth and streamlined that it will mimic the motion of water.
A new metallic object is created by scientists that allow the electrons to move around as water does in a pipe. The electrons exhibit the properties of a fluid. The details were published in a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications.
It was discovered by Germanium and Niobium (NbGe2), Boston College Assistant Professor of Physics Fazel Tafti, along with colleagues from Florida State University and the University of Texas in Dallas that the electrons and phonons can behave like a fluid. This transition occurred from particle-like behavior to a hydrodynamic or fluid-like behavior.
For the first time, an object was forged that involved electron-phonon liquid within the NbGe2 substance. It was said in the statement that, “Typically, electrons are scattered by phonons which leads to the usual diffusive motion of electrons in metals. A new theory shows that when electrons strongly interact with phonons, they will form a united electron-phonon liquid.”
Three kinds of experiments were done in the process of being sure of this unprecedented material. Firstly, Raman scattering was done that detected the motion of electrons that resembled that of water and not like particles. Later, electrical resistivity revealed the measurements that showed significantly large masses of electrons. Quantum oscillations allowed a deeper study of the structure that showed that these electrons were three times heavier than the normal ones. It was then deduced that the electron-phonon interaction had increased the mass. This has opened avenues for more advanced and a new generation of electronic devices