Scientists confirm quarter-electron charge in rare quantum state
Researchers from EPFL, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and Princeton University measured a fractional charge in a gallium arsenide layer at low temperatures.
New measurement confirms theory
Scientists studied the nu equals one-half fractional quantum Hall state to test predictions about unusual quasiparticles. Two independent groups, Weizmann and EPFL, measured identical values for this fractional charge. This result marks the first time two different teams have verified these specific measurements in the field.
Material and conditions used
The experiment took place within a wide layer of gallium arsenide under a powerful magnetic field. Researchers cooled the sample close to absolute zero to organize electrons into a collective state. This material is commonly found in optoelectronics, wireless communication devices, and solar panels.
Potential for quantum computing
These quasiparticles are candidates for storing information in fault-tolerant topological quantum computers. Their quantum properties make them interesting for processing data without errors. The findings were published in Physical Review Letters by the research groups.
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