Imaging Anyons in Two-Dimensional Devices
Abstract
The research problem and objectives: The goal of creating topological qubits based on non-Abelian anyons is currently one of the most exciting areas in quantum condensed matter physics. Progress in this area will not only explore new and fundamental science but will also advance quantum information technologies by creating qubits that will be more resistant to quantum decoherence than the current generation of qubits. The main objective of this program is to advance our understanding of anyons with measurements on the nanoscale and to establish the science underlying the implementation of anyons for topological qubits.Technical approaches: The proposed program will explore anyons in ultra-clean two-dimensional materials with an advanced approach that will combine these materials and study their properties in device-like settings using our unique high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy capabilities based on scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The program will provide the means to directly visualize and probe Abelian and non-Abelian anyonsin graphene-based devices. The program will be carried out in a material platform in which we have demonstrated anyons to have large energy gaps and expect anyons to be long-lasting for various studies.Anticipated outcome of research: Our experiments will providethe first direct imaging of Abelian and non-Abelian anyons in a 2D platform, which we have demonstrated to have large energy gaps for protecting these excitations. By taking advantage of new nanofabrication techniques, we will also explore ways to locally manipulate anyons so as to control and precisely study their interactions. The interaction between anyons underlies the proposed schemes for using them for qubit operations and will be studied in the proposed program. We will directly probe the interactions between anyons, demonstrate their fusion properties and work toward building and testing devices in which the topological properties of anyons can be used for qubits. We will also visualize novel quantum phases of matter in which anyons are predicted to crystallize into an organized lattice.Impact on DoD capabilities: The development of powerful new technologies for computation will significantly impact applications in science and engineering areas that are critical to the Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities and objectives. The recent breakthrough in demonstrating a quantum advantage in computing with processors made from superconducting qubits is a significant milestone for quantum information processing. The global endeavor involving industrial, governmental, and academic researchers to advance both quantum hardware and software is quickly accelerating. While qubit technology, such as those based on conventional superconductors, will undoubtably make significant advances in the short term, the need for alternative approaches that will create bothhighly protected (against decoherence) and scalable qubit technologies is well recognized. Thisproposal is aimed at establishing the science to build alternative qubits based on anyons. If qubits based on anyons, as examined here can be successfully fabricated, it will provide the DoD with a powerful quantum computational advantage that will both advance exciting scientific progress and add to the security of our nation.Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412471
Entities
People
- Ali Yazdani
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Trustees of Princeton University
- United States Navy