Scientists at California Polytechnic State University have discovered new forms of quantum matter by varying magnetic fields over time. The breakthrough, detailed in Physical Review B, shows that time-dependent control can produce stable quantum states without static equivalents. This could advance quantum computing by making systems more resistant to errors.
In a study published in Physical Review B, Cal Poly Physics Department Lecturer Ian Powell and recent physics graduate Louis Buchalter demonstrated that carefully driving materials with timed magnetic shifts unlocks exotic quantum states. These states, which do not exist under normal static conditions, emerge from periodically changing magnetic fields, as outlined in their paper titled 'Flux-Switching Floquet Engineering.' The journal reference lists the publication in 2026, volume 113, issue 19, with DOI: 10.1103/c28t-x1dh. Materials for the study were provided by California Polytechnic State University. Powell described the work as 'an advance in our understanding of how time-dependent control can create and organize new forms of quantum matter.' He emphasized that 'useful quantum properties can depend not just on what a material is, but on how it is driven in time.' These findings address a key challenge in quantum technology: vulnerability to noise and imperfections that cause errors. By timing magnetic fields precisely, the researchers suggest designing more stable quantum systems, with potential applications in quantum computing and simulation. Powell noted the relevance to industry, stating, 'The most direct industry relevance of our study is to quantum computing and quantum simulation.' He added that experimental validation and links to real quantum devices are needed for practical impact in fields like pharmaceuticals or finance. The research also uncovered mathematical patterns resembling those in higher-dimensional systems and mapped a topological phase diagram for these states. Buchalter, who earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Cal Poly in 2025, gained hands-on research experience. He plans to pursue a Master of Science in materials science and engineering at the University of Washington this fall, focusing on quantum matter experiments. 'I believe our results help demonstrate the power of Floquet engineering for realizing quantum systems with highly-tunable properties,' Buchalter said.