Probing Non-Equilibrium Topological Order on a Quantum Processor

Frank Pollmann (TU Munich)

May 23. 2025, 09:30 — 10:15

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) systems, that are generically difficult to simulate classically due to their high entanglement. Using an array of superconducting qubits, we realize a Floquet topologically ordered state, 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.

Further Information
Venue:
ESI Boltzmann Lecture Hall
Associated Event:
Entanglement in Many-body Quantum Matter: Dynamics, Dissipation, Equilibration (Thematic Programme)
Organizer(s):
Mari Carmen Banuls (MPI of Quantum Optics, Garching)
Hannes Pichler (IQOQI, Innsbruck)
Norbert Schuch (U of Vienna)
Maksym Serbyn (ISTA, Klosterneuburg)