Quantum computing has provided new insights into the geometric phase, a fundamental aspect of photochemical reactions. Two research teams have independently demonstrated how the geometric phase can be measured using quantum simulators. By manipulating trapped ions, the teams were able to directly observe the effect of the geometric phase on the spatial distribution of the ions' wavefunctions. These findings could enhance scientists' understanding of light-driven processes such as photosynthesis, smog formation, and ozone destruction, and have implications for controlling reaction outcomes in multi-product reactions. The research highlights the potential of quantum computing in solving complex chemistry problems.
Scientists at Harvard have achieved a major breakthrough by successfully realizing a Laughlin state, an exotic quantum liquid, using ultracold neutral atoms manipulated by lasers. The Laughlin state, characterized by electrons dancing around each other while avoiding collisions, is associated with the existence of fractional charge-carrying particles called anyons. By imaging the atoms individually through a quantum-gas microscope, the researchers were able to observe the unique properties of the Laughlin state, opening up new avenues for exploring and manipulating anyons in quantum simulators.
An international team led by Markus Greiner at Harvard has realized a Laughlin state using ultracold neutral atoms manipulated by lasers. The experiment involves trapping a few atoms in an optical box and implementing the ingredients required for the creation of this exotic state: a strong synthetic magnetic field and strong repulsive interactions among the atoms. The researchers imaged the atoms one by one through a powerful quantum-gas microscope and demonstrated the peculiar "dance" of the particles, which orbit around each other, as well as the fractional nature of the realized atomic Laughlin state. This milestone opens the door to a wide new field of exploration of Laughlin states and their cousins in quantum simulators.
