Researchers at Japan's National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), led by Takashi Uchihashi, developed a method to control quantum behavior in ultrathin superconductors, demonstrating that atomic steps just one atom high can guide quantum vortices over 1,000 times more easily in one direction. This discovery was published on July 30, 2026, in the peer-reviewed journal Physical Review B.

This novel way of manipulating quantum activity holds promise for advancing ultra-efficient superconducting electronics, magnetic memory systems, and quantum computers. It provides a new mechanism for directing vortex motion, differing from traditional methods that aim to pin vortices in place.

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By using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and electrical transport measurements, the team directly observed how quantum vortices interacted with these atomic steps. The electrical transport measurements specifically showed that these vortices traveled over 1,000 times more easily along the direction of these atomic steps than perpendicular to them. This substantial difference indicates that the steps function as highly efficient directional guides, or "nanoscale rails," for the quantum objects.

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