Electrons can, under certain conditions, flow like a fluid that’s thicker than honey. Now researchers have managed to observe this viscous fluid behavior in a way that allows unambiguous measurements and more precise comparisons with theory [1]. Previous studies had demonstrated viscous electron flow in thin channels but could not eliminate the complicated effects of the channel sidewalls. The new experimental setup involves perfectly smooth boundaries and could provide a well-controlled platform for tests of fluid physics and of fundamental theories describing metallic electrons at low temperatures.
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