Data sharing helps avoid "smoking gun" claims of topological milestones.
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| Title: | Data sharing helps avoid "smoking gun" claims of topological milestones. |
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| Authors: | Frolov, S. M. (AUTHOR), Zhang, P. (AUTHOR), Zhang, B. (AUTHOR), Jiang, Y. (AUTHOR), Byard, S. (AUTHOR), Mudi, S. R. (AUTHOR), Chen, J. (AUTHOR), Chen, A.-H. (AUTHOR), Hocevar, M. (AUTHOR), Gupta, M. (AUTHOR), Riggert, C. (AUTHOR), Pribiag, V. S. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Science. 1/8/2026, Vol. 391 Issue 6781, p137-142. 6p. |
| Subjects: | Condensed matter, Condensed matter physics, Confirmation bias, Data distribution, Conduction bands |
| Abstract: | Manipulating the topology of electronic bands can realize new states of matter, with possible implications for information technology. A central question is how to tell whether a topological regime has been achieved. Experiments are often guided by a prediction of a distinct and self-explanatory signal called "the smoking gun." However, in micrometer- or nanometer-scale specimens, phenomenology can mimic the anticipated behavior without containing the exotic states. We show limited data that are consistent with the presence of four topological phenomena; by considering additional data, we identified the most likely origins of the observed patterns as trivial. We argue that the reliability of smoking gun–type claims can be greatly enhanced by releasing comprehensive datasets, discussing alternative scenarios, and disclosing the total volume of study. Editor's summary: The synergy between theory and experiment in condensed matter physics has often accelerated progress in the field. However, experiments guided by theoretical predictions can be vulnerable to confirmation bias. Frolov et al. reviewed four study cases in the field of topological physics in which the pursuit of "smoking gun" experimental signatures leads to erroneous conclusions. The authors advocate for exhaustive exploration of parameter space and the release of associated data as strategies to mitigate these risks. —Jelena Stajic [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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