Pablo Jarillo HerreroEdit
Pablo Jarillo Herrero is a Spanish-born physicist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who has become a central figure in the study of quantum materials and two-dimensional systems. His work is widely associated with the emergence of strong electronic correlations in graphene-based moiré structures and the broader field of twistronics, where slight misalignment between layered materials gives rise to new states of matter. Through meticulous experiments on graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and related van der Waals stacks, his group helped illuminate how crystal structure, stacking, and twist angle can profoundly affect electronic behavior, including the onset of insulating and superconducting phases at accessible temperatures. The results have helped transform graphene from a remarkable conductor into a versatile platform for exploring fundamental questions in condensed matter physics and for imagining future device concepts graphene twistronics magic angle superconductivity.
Career
Pablo Jarillo Herrero directs a research program in experimental condensed matter physics at MIT, focusing on quantum materials and nanoscale device platforms. His career spans work in Europe and North America, culminating in leadership of a group that designs and probes ultra-clean, atomically thin materials with precisely controlled interfaces. The laboratory environment he fosters emphasizes high-precision fabrication, low-temperature measurement, and the interpretation of delicate quantum phenomena in systems where interactions between electrons dominate behavior. His position at MIT places him at the intersection of basic science and the broader technical ecosystem that seeks to convert fundamental discoveries into transformative technologies condensed matter physics Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In the arena of two-dimensional materials, Jarillo Herrero and collaborators have explored how stacking sequences and twist angles generate a rich landscape of phases. The term moire pattern describes the large-scale interference pattern that emerges when two crystalline lattices are overlaid with a relative twist; this moiré geometry dramatically reshapes the electronic band structure, enabling correlated phenomena that are absent in the individual layers. The work in this area builds on decades of research into graphene and related materials, and it has helped catalyze a broader research program often referred to as twistronics—the study of how angular degrees of freedom in layered materials control electronic properties twistronics moire pattern.
Research contributions
Magic-angle physics and correlated states: The centerpiece of Jarillo Herrero’s recent research is the discovery and exploration of correlated insulating states and superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene at a small, precise twist angle (the so-called "magic angle"). This finding demonstrated that modest structural control can unlock complex electronic behavior in a simple material system, making graphene a leading platform for studying unconventional superconductivity and quantum phase transitions magic angle unconventional superconductivity.
Twistronics and device fabrication: The work has helped establish twistronics as a practical framework for engineering electronic properties through rotational alignment in stacked two-dimensional materials. By combining high-quality fabrication with sensitive transport measurements, the research reveals how twist angles tune bandwidth, correlations, and emergent phenomena in graphene-based heterostructures twistronics two-dimensional materials.
Experimental techniques in quantum materials: The methods developed in Jarillo Herrero’s group—such as precise control of twist angles, high-resolution electrical transport measurements at cryogenic temperatures, and careful sample encapsulation—have become standard tools for investigating moiré materials and related systems. These techniques support broader explorations into superconductivity, magnetism, and correlated electron behavior in low-dimensional platforms experimental condensed matter physics.
Broader impact on science and industry: The discovery of controllable correlated phases in MATBG (magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene) stimulated a wave of interest in 2D materials in both academic and industrial circles. This includes collaborations with research centers and technology companies pursuing applications in quantum sensing, low-dissipation electronics, and novel superconducting devices, all rooted in the fundamental insights produced by Jarillo Herrero’s research program graphene superconductivity.
Controversies and debates
Mechanism of superconductivity and the role of correlations: The initial demonstrations of superconductivity in magic-angle graphene sparked lively debate about the underlying pairing mechanism. Many in the field emphasized electron-electron interactions and correlated physics as essential, while others explored competing explanations involving lattice vibrations or alternative pairing channels. Over time, a consensus has solidified around the idea that strong correlations play a central role in these systems, though the precise microscopic details remain an active area of inquiry. This debate reflects the healthy, iterative nature of frontier physics, where competing theories are tested against meticulous experiments unconventional superconductivity.
Reproducibility and sample variability: A recurring theme in early work on MATBG concerns the sensitivity of observed phases to sample quality, fabrication methods, and precise twist angle control. Some commentators pointed to device-to-device variability as a potential caveat, while others argued that robust signatures emerge across multiple samples and measurement techniques. The ongoing refinement of fabrication protocols and cross-laboratory replication has helped address these concerns, illustrating the importance of reproducibility in translating fundamental discoveries into reliable science graphene.
Public perception and media coverage: Breakthrough results in quantum materials attract broad attention, which can outpace technical nuance. Critics sometimes argue that media emphasis on spectacular findings may oversimplify complex physics or imply premature technological promises. Proponents counter that bold reporting helps attract talent and funding for basic research, ultimately fueling further advances. The discourse around these topics often centers on balancing aspirational storytelling with careful scientific framing, a dynamic aspect of how frontier science interacts with policy and public understanding science communication.