MIT physicists have proposed a method to create non-Abelian anyons in two-dimensional materials, which could advance quantum computing by enabling more reliable quantum bits without using magnetic fields.
In a recent study published in Physical Review Letters, the researchers demonstrated that it should be possible to create these exotic particles, known as fractionalized electrons, without relying on magnetic fields. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for practical technological applications.
Anyons are the building blocks of quantum computers, but their creation is challenging due to the need for precise control over the spacetime trajectories of these particles. Non-Abelian anyons have a unique property that allows them to “remember” their paths, which could be beneficial for quantum computing.
The researchers used molybdenum ditelluride as the material for creating non-Abelian anyons. This choice is significant because it enables the creation of these particles in a two-dimensional material, which is essential for quantum computing applications.
While electron fractionalization was first discovered in 1982 and required magnetic fields, this study shows that it’s possible to create fractionalized electrons without such requirements. The ability to do so opens up new research possibilities and practical technological uses.
The researchers believe that non-Abelian anyons can be used to create more reliable quantum computers that can execute a wider range of tasks. They also explored the possibility of creating these particles in moiré materials, which are composed of atomically thin layers of atoms.
This study was guided by recent advances in two-dimensional materials and topological transformation of low dimensional space-time geometric shapes. The researchers demonstrated that it should be possible to create non-Abelian anyons in a moiré material composed of molybdenum ditelluride, which has significant implications for the field of quantum computing.
Reference: “Non-Abelian Fractionalization in Topological Minibands” by Aidan P. Reddy, Nisarga Paul, Ahmed Abouelkomsan and Liang Fu, 17 October 2024, Physical Review Letters.
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.166503
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/mit-unveils-exotic-matter-breakthrough-set-to-revolutionize-quantum-computing