Quantum materials are materials that exhibit unique electronic and magnetic properties arising from quantum mechanical effects, such as strong electron correlations, topological states, and superconductivity. These materials are typically complex and exhibit emergent phenomena that are not easily explained by classical physics.

Quantum materials can have a wide range of applications, from high-temperature superconductors and advanced electronic devices to quantum computing and energy storage. Examples of quantum materials include complex oxides, graphene, and its superlattice derivatives such as moire lattice. The figure shows example of a moire lattice.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05807-0 

Spin-orbitronics is a field of research that focuses on the interplay between spin and orbital degrees of freedom in electronic systems. It is concerned with the manipulation and control of electron spin using the spin-orbit coupling effect, which arises due to the interaction between an electron's spin and its motion in a magnetic field.In spintronics, the focus is on using the spin of electrons to encode and transmit information. Spin-orbitronics, on the other hand, aims to use the spin-orbit coupling effect to manipulate the spin of electrons, which can lead to more efficient and faster devices.

One important application of spin-orbitronics is in the development of spin-orbit torque (SOT) devices, which use the spin-orbit coupling effect to generate a torque that can switch the magnetization of a magnetic material. SOT devices have the potential to be used in non-volatile memory, logic and neuromorphic computing, and magnetic sensing. In the figure shown is a SOT 3-terminal magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) that can store bits of memory, Such MTJs can be built on a wafer-scale. 

https://doi.org/10.1002/aelm.202001133 

Topological protection is a property of some physical systems that makes them resistant to certain types of perturbations or defects. This protection arises from the topological properties of the system, which are related to its geometry or shape. One example of a topologically protected property is the presence of topologically protected quasiparticles, such as skyrmions and merons, in certain magnetic materials. In other words, the magnetic field in a skyrmion is twisted and knotted in a particular way that gives it unique properties and makes it resistant to external perturbations.  

Skyrmions can have a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from nanometers to micrometers. They can move through a material by applying an external magnetic field, an electric current, or thermal gradients. Skyrmions have potential applications in areas such as data storage, logic operations, and energy-efficient computing.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07131-7