New states of matter unveiled in ‘first time’ quantum flatland discovery

Researchers at Georgia State University have identified novel states of matter within a two-dimensional flatland system.

Notably, the research team has explored the complex phenomenon known as the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) and uncovered completely new discoveries.

Their research highlights the unexpected behavior of FQHE states that split and intersect in new ways when a supplementary current is applied.

“Our latest findings push the boundaries of this field, offering new insights into these complex systems,” said Professor Ramesh G. Mani.

Experimental conditions

This development was observed under extreme conditions of near absolute zero temperatures (-459°F or -273°C) and intense magnetic fields nearly 100,000 times stronger than Earth’s. It offers a unique window into the excited states of these quantum systems.

“The results are fascinating, and it took quite a while for us to have a feasible explanation for our observations,” expressed U. Kushan Wijewardena, a faculty member at Georgia College and State University.

To put this in context, in the world of FQHE, particles can have fractional charges and act in surprising ways that defy classical physics.

“Research on fractional quantum Hall effects has been a major focus of modern condensed matter physics for decades because particles in flatland can have multiple personalities and can exhibit a context-dependent personality on demand,” highlighted Professor Mani.

Moreover, research in this area underpins the technology we use daily, such as cell phones, computers, and solar cells .

First-time observation

The team employed high-mobility semiconductor components constructed from gallium arsenide and aluminum gallium arsenide to establish a two-dimensional environment that facilitates the unimpeded movement of electrons.

By introducing a supplementary current, they observed the surprising splitting and subsequent crossings of FQHE states, a phenomenon observed never before.

“This is the first time we’ve reported these experimental findings on achieving excited states of fractional quantum Hall states induced by applying a direct current bias,” remarked Wijewardena.

This observation implies the presence of completely new states of matter.

“Think of the traditional study of fractional quantum Hall effects as exploring the ground floor of a building,” explained Mani. “Our study is about looking for and discovering the upper floors — those exciting, unexplored levels — and finding out what they look like.”

Anticipated outcomes

The study, funded by the National Science Foundation and the Army Research Office, not only contests existing theories but also suggests a hybrid origin for the observed non-equilibrium excited-state fractional quantum Hall effects (FQHEs).

The benefits of these discoveries reach well beyond the confines of the laboratory. The findings may have significant implications for quantum computing and materials science.

It has the potential to transform technologies associated with data processing and energy efficiency.

The team intends to further investigate these phenomena under more extreme conditions and utilize novel methodologies.

They are confident that this endeavor may reveal more complex aspects of quantum systems and contribute significantly to technological advancement.