New quantum particles have been discovered for the first time, challenging our understanding of quantum physics.

Physicists have for the first time discovered a new type of quantum particles with unexpected properties, known theoretically as fractional excitons. Scientists have long speculated about the existence of these particles, but they have never been successfully detected until now. According to physicists, fractional excitons challenge traditional understandings of quantum mechanics and could aid in the development of new quantum computers and other quantum technologies. The study has been published in the journal Nature, reports Interesting Engineering.

In quantum mechanics, an exciton is a particle formed from the combination of an electron and an electron hole (a quasiparticle that carries a positive charge) to which it is attracted. Excitons are electrically neutral, making them difficult to detect. However, fractional excitons are even more challenging to detect, say the physicists.

The researchers employed the fractional quantum Hall effect to identify the new quantum particles. According to the standard quantum Hall effect, when an electric current is applied to a material placed in a magnetic field, it generates a transverse voltage. This phenomenon occurs at extremely low temperatures and strong magnetic fields, with the voltage increasing in clear, discrete steps. In the fractional quantum Hall effect, the steps occur in fractional amounts. Physicists utilized this knowledge to detect fractional excitons.

Using two layers of graphene, the physicists created a two-dimensional nanomaterial separated by a layer of insulating boron nitride. This setup helped control electric charges and generate excitons in the experimental apparatus. The physicists then exposed the nanomaterial to extremely strong magnetic fields and observed a flow of fractional excitons.

All elementary particles are divided into two classes: bosons and fermions. Bosons can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously, while fermions cannot. The research indicated that fractional excitons exhibit behaviors characteristic of both bosons and fermions.

According to the physicists, the unexpected properties of fractional excitons suggest that they belong to a completely new class of particles with unique quantum characteristics.

The physicists believe that these new quantum particles could enhance methods for processing information at the quantum level, thereby enabling the creation of even better quantum computers. Additionally, fractional excitons could be utilized to improve other quantum technologies.