The compound PuB6 shows topological surface states, a rare quantum phenomenon previously seen in only a handful of materials.
Topological materials resist disruptions, making them ideal for error-resistant quantum computing and radiation-hardened electronics.
Researchers plan to test scalability and stability under real-world nuclear conditions within 2–3 years.
This work bridges nuclear science and quantum physics, two fields rarely in direct conversation.
Plutonium hexaboride retains topological behavior up to 100K—twice the temperature of most quantum materials in its class.