Researchers have created a cobalt-based thin film in which local honeycomb structures generate strong magnetic interactions linked to Kitaev-type quantum materials, scitechdaily.com reported. The material utilizes sodium antimonate (NaSbO3) as a base, providing a layered honeycomb framework that accommodates cobalt atoms without disrupting the broader crystal lattice.
Scientists produce thin film with cobalt atoms
Scientists produced the thin film by adding approximately 4% cobalt into a sodium antimonate host material. This process yields localized CoO6 honeycomb motifs naturally, avoiding unwanted secondary phases during synthesis. Microscopy confirmed the atomic clustering matched theoretical predictions for the structure.
“Previous work in this area has largely been limited to rare metals like ruthenium and iridium,” lead author Hao-Bo Li stated. “We asked whether cobalt, one of the most common transition metals on Earth, could be made to form the same honeycomb structure and display the same intriguing physics.”
Tests reveal ferromagnetic-like ground state in structure
Magnetic measurements revealed a ferromagnetic-like ground state emerging near 88 Kelvin, which translates to approximately minus 301 degrees Fahrenheit. Calculations tied this behavior directly to the local arrangement of cobalt atoms inside the CoO6 structures. Meanwhile, tests showed that the interlayer coupling within the film remains antiferromagnetic.
“What excites us is that these cobalt honeycombs appear to form naturally, without any special coaxing,” senior author Hidekazu Tanaka explained. “They even produce a clear magnetic signal that matches what theory predicts for this type of structure.”
Implications for Quantum Research
Kitaev materials draw intense scientific interest because certain variants may support quantum spin liquids, unusual states where atomic spins stay dynamic rather than settling into a conventional magnetic order. Past investigations relied heavily on scarce and expensive metals such as ruthenium and iridium. Cobalt offers a more abundant and economical alternative.
“Cobalt is relatively cheap, widely available, and already used in semiconductor manufacturing,” Li noted. “This approach could eventually lead to quantum computing components that are far more practical to produce at scale.” While the current material has not yet been shown to host a complete quantum spin liquid, it establishes a viable cobalt-based platform for studying Kitaev-type magnetism.
Key details on materials, temperatures, and lead authors
What specific base material is used to support the cobalt atoms?
The material is built upon sodium antimonate (NaSbO3), a compound that naturally possesses a layered honeycomb structure.
At what temperature does the ferromagnetic-like state emerge?
Magnetic measurements identified the state near 88 K, or roughly minus 301 degrees Fahrenheit.
Who led the research team behind this study?
Hao-Bo Li served as the lead author, with Hidekazu Tanaka acting as the senior author on the project published in Physical Review Materials on May 22, 2026.
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