Extremely small arrays of magnets with strange and unusual properties can order themselves by increasing entropy, or the tendency of physical systems to disorder, a behavior that appears to contradict standard thermodynamics but doesn’t. “Paradoxically, the system orders because it wants to be more disordered,” said Cristiano Nisoli, a
This article originally appeared in Yale Engineering magazine. Quantum science can be a little intimidating even Einstein once called it “spooky.” So it makes sense that it has developed a reputation as an all-or-nothing kind of commitment. Dabblers needn’t apply.