Scientists at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum computing. They have found that immutable topological states, highly sought after for their potential in quantum computing, can be entangled with other manipulable quantum states in certain materials. This unexpected finding has bridged the gap between subfields of condensed matter physics that have focused on different emergent properties of quantum materials. The study, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the potential for using these entangled states in the development of quantum computing and spintronics.
To investigate the behavior of entangled states in materials, the researchers created and tested a quantum model using a “frustrated” lattice arrangement. This arrangement mimicked those found in metals and semimetals with “flat bands” where electrons become stuck, amplifying strongly correlated effects. The study, led by Qimiao Si and Haoyu Hu, demonstrated that electrons from d atomic orbitals can be incorporated into larger molecular orbitals shared by multiple atoms in the lattice. These electrons in molecular orbitals can then become entangled with other frustrated electrons, resulting in strongly correlated effects.
The findings of the study have brought together two subfields of condensed matter physics – topological materials and strongly correlated materials. Topological materials, characterized by patterns of quantum entanglement, possess “protected” states that hold promise for quantum computing. On the other hand, strongly correlated materials exhibit behaviors such as unconventional superconductivity and continuous magnetic fluctuations in quantum spin liquids. By demonstrating that entangled states can exist in materials with both topological and strongly correlated properties, the research has paved the way for interdisciplinary collaboration and exploration in the field.
Potential for Practical Applications
The discovery offers practical implications in the development of quantum technologies. Qimiao Si explains that while the f-electron systems, which exhibit strongly correlated physics, are not practical for everyday use due to their low-temperature requirements, the d-electron systems show more promising characteristics. In these systems, electrons can efficiently couple with each other even in the presence of a flat band. Si analogizes this to a multi-lane highway, where one lane may become as slow and inefficient as a dirt road, but it still maintains a strong coupling with the rest of the lanes. This coupling efficiency enables the realization of f-electron-based physics at higher temperatures, potentially even at room temperature.
The ability to achieve strongly correlated effects at higher temperatures opens up new possibilities for quantum computing. By harnessing the characteristics of d-electron systems, which are more easily manipulated and controlled, researchers can explore the practicality of quantum computing at significantly higher temperatures. This development could eliminate the need for extreme cooling measures and make quantum computing more accessible for everyday applications.
Qimiao Si and his team plan to further validate their theoretical framework for controlling topological states of matter. Their ongoing efforts aim to build on the understanding of entangled states in materials and explore their potential for advanced quantum technologies. The research conducted at Rice University, through the Rice Quantum Initiative and the Rice Center for Quantum Materials, contributes significantly to the field of quantum computing and paves the way for future innovations in this exciting area of research.
The groundbreaking research conducted at Rice University has demonstrated the entanglement of immutable topological states with manipulable quantum states in certain materials. This discovery bridges the gap between subfields of condensed matter physics and opens up new possibilities for quantum computing and spintronics. The ability to achieve strongly correlated effects at higher temperatures holds promise for practical applications and paves the way for advancements in quantum technologies. Further research and validation of the theoretical framework will undoubtedly contribute to future breakthroughs in this rapidly evolving field.
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