Chinese scholars discover novel quantum state of matter

(ECNS) -- China observed a novel quantum state of matter, counterflow superfluidity, in atomic ultracold quantum simulation experiments, according to the University of Science and Technology of China on Thursday.

During the experiment, the research team successfully observed counterflow superfluidity through precise control of a newly developed quantum gas microscope.

This research demonstrates that the atomic ultracold quantum simulation method offers a wealth of quantum control and observation techniques for exploring novel forms of matter, making it an essential tool for studying the microscopic physical mechanisms of strongly correlated many-body quantum states.

In the 1930s, physicists discovered superfluidity in liquid helium, a major milestone in advancing foundational research in quantum physics. This discovery spurred the development of low-temperature technologies, including laser cooling and dilution refrigeration, which have become critical tools in quantum simulation, quantum computing, and related disciplines.

This finding, titled “Counterflow superfluidity in a two-component Mott insulator,” was published in the internationally renowned academic journal Nature Physics on Wednesday.

Praised by reviewers, the work was described it as an “outstanding achievement in the field of quantum simulation.”