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Probing non-equilibrium topological order on a quantum processor

Author

Listed:
  • M. Will

    (Technical University of Munich
    Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST))

  • T. A. Cochran

    (Princeton University)

  • E. Rosenberg

    (Google Research)

  • B. Jobst

    (Technical University of Munich
    Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST))

  • N. M. Eassa

    (Google Research
    Purdue University)

  • P. Roushan

    (Google Research)

  • M. Knap

    (Technical University of Munich
    Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST))

  • A. Gammon-Smith

    (University of Nottingham
    University of Nottingham)

  • F. Pollmann

    (Technical University of Munich
    Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST))

Abstract

Out-of-equilibrium phases in many-body systems constitute a new paradigm in quantum matter—they exhibit dynamical properties that may otherwise be forbidden by equilibrium thermodynamics. Among these non-equilibrium phases are periodically driven (Floquet) systems1–5, which are generically difficult to simulate classically because of their high entanglement. Here we realize a Floquet topologically ordered state theoretically proposed in ref. 6, on an array of superconducting qubits. We image the characteristic dynamics of its chiral edge modes and characterize its emergent anyonic excitations. Devising an interferometric algorithm allows us to introduce and measure a bulk topological invariant to probe the dynamical transmutation of anyons for system sizes up to 58 qubits. Our work demonstrates that quantum processors can provide key insights into the thus-far largely unexplored landscape of highly entangled non-equilibrium phases of matter.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Will & T. A. Cochran & E. Rosenberg & B. Jobst & N. M. Eassa & P. Roushan & M. Knap & A. Gammon-Smith & F. Pollmann, 2025. "Probing non-equilibrium topological order on a quantum processor," Nature, Nature, vol. 645(8080), pages 348-353, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:645:y:2025:i:8080:d:10.1038_s41586-025-09456-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09456-3
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