Quantum materials may sound like science fiction, but physicist Fehmi Yasin is turning that fiction into fact at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). With a career that spans institutions from New Jersey to Japan, Yasin now focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques to study magnetic spin textures—an emerging frontier in quantum computing.
According to a report by ORNL, Yasin is working to image spin textures in zero-field conditions at atomic resolution. These textures are promising candidates for future information carriers due to their low energy demands, durability, and topological stability. “These spin textures could be the next generation of information carriers,” Yasin said.
Yasin’s journey into quantum materials began with encouragement from a high school teacher and evolved through extensive academic and research experience in the U.S. and abroad. His previous work on electron interferometers contributed to less-invasive imaging methods, advancing research in both materials science and biology.
During a five-year stint at Japan’s RIKEN institute, Yasin deepened his expertise while embracing the local culture, where he also met his wife. Now based in Tennessee, he continues to pursue both science and sustainability, cultivating homegrown vegetables and crafting fermented goods with his family.
Looking ahead, ORNL is preparing to install a helium-cooled, zero-field monochromated scanning transmission electron microscope in 2026. The new tool will allow researchers to image materials at cryogenic temperatures with unprecedented detail. “These tools will help us tackle some of the biggest challenges in materials science,” Yasin said.
