Harnessing Quantum Metastable States with Record Ambient-Pressure Superconductivity: Bridging High-Pressure Creation and Ambient Stability with Liangzi Deng

Pressure is a powerful thermodynamic tuning parameter for discovering emergent quantum states, including record-high-temperature superconductivity, intertwined electronic orders, and novel topological and magnetic phases. Recent studies by Dr. Deng et al. have shown that pressure can possibly break the conventional universal transition temperature (Tc)-pressure relationship in superconductors to further enhance the Tc and significantly expand the accessible temperature–magnetic field phase space for skyrmions states. A major limitation, however, is that the extreme conditions required to access these states—often in the range of 10–100 GPa—severely constrain comprehensive characterization and practical utilization. To overcome this challenge, Dr. Deng, Dr. Ching-Wu Chu, and collaborators have developed a non-equilibrium experimental paradigm, the pressure-quench protocol (PQP), which kinetically stabilizes pressure-induced or pressure-enhanced quantum metastable states at ambient pressure. By systematically controlling quench parameters, PQP enables the investigation of the microscopic mechanisms—such as structural phase transitions, defect and disorder formation, and interfacial effects—that allow favorable high-pressure phases to be retained under ambient conditions. Conceptually, PQP establishes a closed-loop framework: ambient pressure à high pressure à ambient pressure, which enables direct investigation of quantum states previously accessible only under extreme environments. This talk will highlight several material systems demonstrating the successful application of PQP, including the stabilization of a record ambient-pressure superconducting Tc of up to 151 K in HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ.

Prof. Liangzi Deng is an Assistant Professor with Robert A. Welch Endowed Professorship at the Department of Physics and Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (UH). He obtained his Ph. D. in Physics from UH and his thesis advisor was Prof. Ching-Wu Chu. His research interests lie in experimental condensed matter physics, with a focus on superconductivity, magnetism, and topology. He is particularly excited about maintaining at ambient conditions the record-high-temperature superconductivity initially achieved in certain materials under high pressure, which enables systematic fundamental studies and potential technological applications. He is a recipient of the Materials Research Society Outstanding Early Career Researcher Award and the UH President’s Circle Award. He serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the UH Quantum Initiative, is a member of Sigma Xi, and was selected as a member of TAMEST 2026 Protégé Class.