In a landmark development in quantum physics, researchers have successfully created and observed a Floquet topologically ordered state — a complex and previously theoretical phase of matter.
The breakthrough was achieved using a 58-qubit superconducting quantum processor developed by Google Quantum AI in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Princeton University. The team used precise, periodic driving to induce and observe edge behaviors in quantum particles, capturing real-time transformations that challenge classical understanding.
Unlike conventional phases of matter, which are typically described by equilibrium thermodynamics, this newly observed state falls into a class of non-equilibrium quantum phases — systems that evolve dynamically over time and cannot be fully explained using standard models.
The researchers employed a new interferometric technique to visualize and study these edge dynamics, revealing the so-called “transmutation” of exotic particles — a phenomenon long predicted by theory but never before seen in an experiment.
“These non-equilibrium quantum phases are extremely difficult to simulate using classical methods,” said Melissa Will, a PhD researcher at TUM. “Our work shows that quantum processors are not only computation tools, but also experimental testbeds for discovering entirely new states of matter.”
The findings mark a significant step forward in using quantum hardware to explore and understand fundamental physics. As quantum processors continue to mature, scientists anticipate they will become key platforms for studying phenomena beyond the reach of traditional laboratory setups — ushering in a new era of quantum simulation.
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