Crystal topology: A Möbius strip of single crystals
Abstract
A Möbius strip is produced by twisting a ribbon of material through 180° and joining its two ends, resulting in a distinct, one-sided topology. Here we describe a Möbius structure formed by crystals of a compound of niobium and selenium, NbSe3. It is surprising that a crystalline ribbon should adopt this exotic topology in view of its inherent rigidity, which would be expected to prevent it from either bending or twisting.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- May 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002Natur.417..379T