One of nature’s key constants is much larger in a quantum material
The fine-structure constant is 10 times its normal value in the material, giving a peek at an alternate universe
![illustration of quantum spin](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/092021_ec_quantum-spin_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
Particles with the quantum property called spin, illustrated by the blue arrow, can’t agree on an orientation in a type of material called quantum spin ice.
ELLA MARU STUDIO/Science Source