Researchers at MIT have made significant progress in the field of quantum physics by recreating the quantum Hall effect using an ultracold cloud of sodium atoms instead of electrons. This achievement allows scientists to study this phenomenon on a more manageable scale, opening up new possibilities for exploring the mysteries of the quantum world.
The quantum Hall effect is a fascinating phenomenon that describes the behavior of electrons in 2D materials, such as graphene, under the influence of a magnetic field and near absolute zero temperatures. Typically, electrons would experience resistance and scatter when passing through these materials. However, in this specific scenario, they form lossless energy states locked along the material’s boundary.
The challenge lies in capturing these edge states on a scale that is more accessible for experimentation. The original phenomenon occurs over femtoseconds (one quadrillionth of a second) and across fractions of a nanometer, making it extremely difficult to replicate. To address this issue, MIT researchers created an experimental setup using one million ultracold sodium atoms trapped in a complex system of lasers.
To simulate the experience of living in a flat space, the team spun the atoms like “riders on an amusement park Gravitron.” This manipulation allowed the atoms to behave as if they were electrons living in a magnetic field. The researchers then defined the “edge” of this gaseous material by introducing a laser that formed a wall around the atoms.
The results of the study, published in Nature Physics, demonstrate that these ultracold sodium atoms can form edge states and exhibit lossless flow when encountering obstacles. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for exploring unknown frontiers of quantum physics, allowing scientists to push the boundaries of this phenomenon and uncover its secrets.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a62121695/edge-state-atoms-energy-transmission/