Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

A strange in-between state of matter is finally observed


When materials become just one atom thick, melting no longer follows the familiar rules. Instead of jumping straight from solid to liquid, an unusual in-between state emerges, where atomic positions loosen like a liquid but still keep some solid-like order. Scientists at the University of Vienna have now captured this elusive “hexatic” phase in real time by filming an ultra-thin silver iodide crystal as it melted inside a protective graphene sandwich.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of Matter

Matter

Photo of State

State

Related news:

News photo

Learning database optimization techniques: The state of the art and prospects - EurekAlert!

News photo

Scientists Discover a New Quantum State of Matter Once Considered Impossible

News photo

World Now in a State of 'Global Water Bankruptcy', New UN Report Warns