Google’s Quantum Computer Achieves Long-Theorized Exotic State of Matter
September 12, 2025 — Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Physicists have reached a major milestone in quantum research by using a 58-qubit quantum processor to create and directly observe a long-theorized—but never-before-seen—quantum phase: a Floquet topologically ordered state. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for studying out-of-equilibrium quantum matter, an area traditionally beyond the reach of classical computers.
Non-Equilibrium Quantum Phases: A New Frontier
Unlike conventional phases of matter (like solid, liquid, or gas), non-equilibrium quantum phases are defined by their time-evolving, dynamical properties, which cannot be described by classical equilibrium thermodynamics.
A particularly rich class of these states occurs in Floquet systems, which are quantum systems periodically driven in time. This rhythmic driving can induce entirely new forms of order, leading to phenomena that cannot exist in equilibrium conditions.
Using their 58-qubit superconducting processor, researchers from TUM, Princeton University, and Google Quantum AI successfully realized a Floquet topologically ordered state. The team directly imaged particle motions along the system’s edge and developed an interferometric algorithm to probe the state’s underlying topological properties. This allowed them to witness the dynamic transformation—or “transmutation”—of exotic particles in real time, a hallmark predicted for these phases.
Quantum Computers as Experimental Platforms
“Highly entangled non-equilibrium phases are notoriously hard to simulate with classical computers,” said Melissa Will, a PhD student at TUM. “Our results show that quantum processors are not just computational devices—they can act as powerful laboratories for discovering entirely new states of matter.”
This work signals a new era in quantum simulation, where quantum computers become platforms to explore unknown realms of physics. Insights gained could have far-reaching applications, from understanding fundamental laws to designing next-generation quantum technologies.
Implications and Future Research
The successful creation of a Floquet topologically ordered state demonstrates that quantum computers can realize physical phenomena that were previously purely theoretical. Researchers expect this capability to accelerate studies in quantum entanglement, topological matter, and non-equilibrium dynamics, potentially influencing fields like materials science, quantum information, and particle physics.
Journal Reference:
M. Will, T. A. Cochran, E. Rosenberg, B. Jobst, N. M. Eassa, P. Roushan, M. Knap, A. Gammon-Smith, F. Pollmann. Probing non-equilibrium topological order on a quantum processor. Nature, 2025; 645 (8080): 348. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09456-3
Source: Technical University of Munich (TUM) via ScienceDaily