Dynamics of Non-Abelian Anyons in¬ the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect

The fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE), realized in high quality semiconductor structures at low temperatures and high magnetic fields, is a remarkable emergent state of matter in nature. Although the FQHE systems are created by condensation of constituent electrons into a quantum fluid, the collective excitations of FQHE systems form particles with an effective charge a fraction of an electron. More interestingly, the excitations of certain FQHE states are predicted to possess non-Abelian statistics and non-trivial braiding properties, meaning that the particles have a memory of how they were moved in the past. The biggest challenge remains an experimental detection and manipulation of these non-Abelian excitations. We propose to pioneer a novel approach to the intractable problem of detection of quasiparticles in FQHE systems by bringing together fundamental experimental and theoretical tools on the emergent quantum states. Our goal is an experimental detection and manipulation of these non-Abelian excitations. In particular we plan to observe the non-Abelian quasiparticles living on the edge of a quantum Hall sample, by exciting a coherently propagating stream of anyons along the edge of quantum Hall devices and detecting the resultant interference profiles. We will develop a novel detection scheme that pushes the existing technology on fast charge detection and microwave electronics toward creation of non-linear wave of anyons and detecting the ensuing train of solitonic pulses. The envisioned goals are to advance the experimental and theoretical studies of quantum dynamics and to gain insights into the emergence of non-Abelian anyons in the FQHE. Real time detection of non-Abelian anyons will be an important landmark in the study of fundamental properties of quantum materials. If successful, we will have the opportunity to open up new ways of detecting, studying, and manipulating elementary excitations in quantum materials.