ANHUI, China, 10th May, 2024 (WAM) -- Chinese researchers have taken a significant step toward unlocking the potential of quantum computing by achieving a breakthrough in simulating a complex quantum state using photons, China Daily reported.
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, Anhui province, have achieved the fractional quantum anomalous Hall state using photons, a milestone previously witnessed only in electrons under certain circumstances. Their discoveries were recently published in the Science Journal on 3rd May.
The fractional quantum Hall state, first discovered in 1981, arises from the behaviour of electrons in a special material under a strong magnetic field. Observing the phenomenon has been a major goal of condensed matter physics research.
The research team, led by professors Lu Chaoyang and Pan Jianwei, designed a system of 16 microscopic "photon boxes" on a tiny chip, confining a single photon within each box. This innovative "bottom-up" approach to quantum simulation allowed them to artificially create the desired quantum state.
"This technology, known as quantum simulation, is a key component of the 'second quantum revolution' and is expected to be applied to quantum computing in the near future," Pan said.
Quantum simulation offers a powerful tool for understanding and manipulating complex quantum systems, paving the way for advances in quantum information processing.
"We can combine atoms according to demand and design, thus providing a completely new way to understand the world," Pan said. "This approach allows us to actively construct quantum machines from the ground up, leading to the development of entirely new technologies."
Traditionally, studying the Hall effect required stringent experimental conditions, including extremely low temperatures and high-purity materials. The USTC team's method overcame those limitations by employing photons instead of electrons.
"With this artificially created photon system, control can be achieved, leading to higher flexibility and controllability," Lu said. "This allows us to precisely manipulate each component and gain a deeper understanding of quantum systems," Lu said.
He added that their work has opened a new chapter in exploring exotic quantum phenomena.
"Using artificial photon boxes as basic units, we can create more of the strange quantum states that do not naturally exist in our world," Lu said. "This opens doors to research and discovery of entirely new scientific phenomena in the future."