Quantum Technology: Observation of a unique quantum state of matter

Researchers from the University of Stuttgart and from the Institut d'optique in Palaiseau have explored a unique state of matter, a so-called topological phase. Such a topologicial phase is the ground state of a quantum many-body system and exhibits unique properties. The collaboration between the group of Prof. Hans Peter Büchler in Stuttgart and the group of Prof. Antoine Browaeys in Palaiseau have for the first time observed such a phase in a quantum simulator, where the state of matter is realised in a well controlled enviroment and allows for the study of the unique properties. The research paves the way for future application in quantum technology of these unique properties. The research results are published in 1^st August in Science as first release. Most states of matter are characterized by the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking, e.g., the periodic arrangement of atoms in a solid breaks the translational symmetry, or Ferromagnets with all the magnetic moments pointing into the same direction break the rotational symmetry. However, not all states of matter fall into this paradigm, and especially so-called topologcal phases can not be characterized by a broken symmetry.