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

20/08/2024
In the realm of FQHE, particles can have fractional charges and act in surprising ways that defy classical physics.
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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.

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.”

Source: https://tinyurl.com/3dn8nywy via Interesting Engineering