It is shown that normally invisible quadrupolar spin fluctuations dominate the excitation spectrum of ordered FeI2.

Advanced materials with more novel properties are almost always developed by adding more elements to the list of ingredients. But quantum research suggests some simpler materials might already have advanced properties that scientists just couldn’t see, until now.

Xiaojian Bai only knew Cristian Batista by reputation when he took a chance and sent him data from a Spallation Neutron Source experiment. The response came rapidly, followed by a phone call, and before long Bai was working with Batista and his group to demystify exotic states in quantum materials.