HOUSTON – (Aug. 11, 2025) – In a groundbreaking study, Rice University researchers have unlocked a new dimension of quantum interference, demonstrating a powerful form of phonon interference that could revolutionize high-precision sensors and quantum computing. Published in Science Advances, the research highlights a phenomenon known as Fano resonance, which was observed to be two orders of magnitude stronger than previously recorded.
The study showcases how phonons—vibrations in a material’s structure—can be harnessed to perform with the same efficacy as light or electrons, paving the way for advanced phonon-based technologies. This discovery is particularly significant as phonons can maintain their wave behavior longer, offering potential for stable, high-performance devices.
Harnessing Phonons: A New Frontier
Led by Kunyan Zhang, a former postdoctoral researcher at Rice and first author of the study, the team utilized a two-dimensional metal atop a silicon carbide base to achieve their results. By employing confinement heteroepitaxy, they intercalated layers of silver atoms between graphene and silicon carbide, creating a tightly bound interface with extraordinary quantum properties.
“While this phenomenon is well-studied for particles like electrons and photons, interference between phonons has been much less explored,” Zhang explained. “That is a missed opportunity, since phonons can maintain their wave behavior for a long time, making them promising for stable, high-performance devices.”
This innovative approach not only strengthens the interference between vibrational modes in silicon carbide but also achieves record levels of interference, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The technique revealed a sharply asymmetric line shape, sometimes forming an antiresonance pattern indicative of intense interference.
Implications for Quantum Sensing and Beyond
The sensitivity of this interference is so acute that it can detect the presence of a single molecule, offering a label-free, scalable setup for single-molecule detection. This breakthrough opens new avenues for using phonons in quantum sensing and next-generation molecular detection.
Exploring the dynamics at low temperatures, the researchers confirmed the interference stemmed purely from phonon interactions, marking a rare case of phonon-only quantum interference. This effect, observed uniquely in the 2D metal/silicon carbide system, is absent in conventional bulk metals due to the specific transition pathways and surface configurations enabled by the atomically thin metal layer.
Future Prospects and Potential Applications
The study also delved into the possibility of using other 2D metals, such as gallium or indium, to induce similar effects. By fine-tuning the chemical composition of these intercalated layers, researchers could design custom interfaces with tailored quantum properties.
“Compared to conventional sensors, our method offers high sensitivity without the need for special chemical labels or complicated device setup,” said Shengxi Huang, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and materials science and nanoengineering at Rice and corresponding author of the study. “This phonon-based approach not only advances molecular sensing but also opens up exciting possibilities in energy harvesting, thermal management, and quantum technologies, where controlling vibrations is key.”
The research, supported by the National Science Foundation, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Welch Foundation, and the University of North Texas, marks a significant step forward in the field of quantum technologies. It underscores the potential of phonon-based systems to transform industries reliant on precision sensing and energy management.
As the scientific community continues to explore the vast possibilities of quantum interference, this breakthrough at Rice University could herald a new era of technological innovation, where the manipulation of atomic vibrations becomes a cornerstone of next-generation devices.
