, to achieve a “hidden metallic state” that allows it to transition from metallic conductor to an insulator and vice versa. Now, a new study—led by scientists at Northeastern University—is investigating the next era of transistors that utilize a “hidden metallic state” capable of rapidly transitioning from a conductor to an insulator. It was achieved by heating and then rapidly cooling the material across a critical temperature threshold, allowing for the “hidden metallic state” to also exist alongside its insulating attribute. This quantum material essentially removes the need for those components, and instead uses one material controlled by light itself. “Quantum computing is one route for handling this and another is to innovate in materials.