MIT scientists have developed a new way to use fractional electrons to fuel quantum computing. Nature revealed the finding of the “fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect” in a graphene five-layer structure on February 21.
Low magnetic fields can activate the fractional quantum Hall effect, which is generally attainable only under intense magnetic fields. However, the MIT team, led by study author Long Ju, found that the fractional charge effect happens naturally when graphene is layered in five layers like stairs, eliminating the requirement for external magnetic manipulation. This finding of graphene has sparked interest in quantum computers.
The fractional quantum Hall effect is a rare event in which indivisible electrons divide into fractions under certain conditions. MIT’s discovery challenges the idea that only certain materials may exhibit this exotic electrical state. According to Long Ju, “This five-layer graphene is a material system where many good surprises happen,” which can impact fundamental physics and help quantum computers withstand perturbations.
Unlike other methods, the researchers achieved this unprecedented feat without a magnetic field. Following the University of Washington’s 2023 molybdenum ditelluride discovery, the solution is one of the quantum computing research trends.
The implications of quantum computing extend beyond this area. The fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect experiment in graphene, a material with exceptional qualities, adds fascinating new knowledge to electrical properties. Long Ju and his team are working on multilayer graphene to develop uncommon electronic states that will astonish scientists.
This Sloan Foundation and National Science Foundation-funded study is a major step towards developing more reliable and fault-tolerant quantum computers and a future where graphene’s unique properties redefine the most advanced technologies.
