In a stunning advancement for quantum physics, researchers from Google Quantum AI, the Technical University of Munich, and Princeton University have successfully created a previously unachievable phase of matter using a 58-qubit quantum processor. This exotic state—known as a Floquet topologically ordered phase—was long theorized but had never been observed in a laboratory setting until now.
Unlike traditional phases of matter such as solids, liquids, or gases, which exist in equilibrium, this new phase emerges only under rhythmic, time-dependent conditions. By periodically driving the quantum system, scientists were able to stabilize a dynamic state that defies classical thermodynamics. The result is a form of matter that exists purely in motion, with properties that remain stable over time despite constant change.
One of the most remarkable features observed was the presence of “chiral edge modes,” which are unidirectional quantum pathways that form along the boundaries of the system. These edge modes are a signature of topological order—a type of quantum organization that is resistant to disturbances and essential for building fault-tolerant quantum computers. The team also detected “anyons,” exotic quasi-particles that behave unlike anything found in conventional physics, capable of transforming in real time as the system evolves.
To probe these phenomena, the researchers developed a novel interferometric algorithm that allowed them to visualize the internal structure of the quantum state. This approach revealed a highly entangled, non-equilibrium phase that cannot be simulated by classical computers, underscoring the unique capabilities of quantum processors as experimental platforms.
The implications of this discovery are profound. It demonstrates that quantum computers are not just tools for computation—they are gateways to exploring entirely new realms of physics. By unlocking access to non-equilibrium phases of matter, scientists can now study behaviors and interactions that were previously inaccessible, potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum information science, materials research, and beyond.
This achievement also reinforces the growing role of quantum technology in fundamental research. As classical methods reach their limits, quantum systems offer a scalable and precise way to investigate the deepest questions in physics. The ability to engineer and observe such exotic states of matter marks a turning point in our understanding of the quantum world.
With this milestone, Google and its collaborators have not only validated decades of theoretical predictions but also opened the door to a new era of quantum discovery—one where the impossible is no longer out of reach.