Quantum insulators may improve speed of digital information transfer By (0) By stacking layers of QAH insulators, researchers were able to create a multilane highways for fast-flowing electrons. Photo by Zhao et al./Nature Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The phenomenon known as the quantum anomalous Hall effect describes the ability of electrons to move freely along at the outer edges of materials. Electrons propelled by the QAH effect can travel at high speeds without losing energy. For the first time, researchers have generated the QAH effect in a multilayered insulator, creating a kind of multilane highway, across which electrons can travel. Advertisement