Physicists have developed a new and exotic quantum state of matter called the ‘Fractional Fermi Sea’ using ultracold cesium atoms. This research challenges conventional principles of matter, demonstrating that quantum particles can remain ordered even far from equilibrium. Scientist Hans-Christoph Nagreil revealed the hidden structure of this new state and suggested that its particles could be described as ‘super-fermions.’
June 29, Kathmandu — By utilizing ultracold atoms, physicists have engineered a novel and unusual quantum state named the ‘Fractional Fermi Sea.’ Published in the journal Physical Review Letters, this study shows that quantum particles can self-organize in unprecedented ways without any conscious control.
This achievement was realized through a collaboration between the Nagreil group at the University of Innsbruck and theoretical physicist Alvise Bastianello from CNRS and Paris-Dauphine University. Their discovery opens a new phase of matter beyond established quantum theories, proving that when quantum particles are pushed far from their usual equilibrium, intricate and new states of matter can emerge.
