Chinese scientists realize fractional quantum Hall state with interacting photons

A research team at the University of Science and Technology of China has realized the fractional quantum Hall states with interacting photons, with the research results published online in the journal Science on Thursday.

According to the researchers, traditional experimental research on the quantum Hall effect typically follows a "top-down" approach, where specific materials are used to prepare the quantum Hall state based on their existing structure and properties.

Normally, this process requires stringent experimental conditions such as extremely low temperatures, high material purity, and strong magnetic fields.

"This time, we employed a method called quantum simulation. In previous researches, we relied on highly pure samples, strict vacuum environment, and high magnetic field, and then we made observations. This time, we did it the other way around, we call it 'bottom-up'. We used an artificial method to create 16 photon boxes made of superconducting cavity, and we put a photon in each box. This method enables us to observe the phenomena that are typically challenging to detect," said Lu Chaoyang, a professor of the university.

Researchers said that the results of this experiment not only mark a groundbreaking milestone in utilizing quantum computing to study crucial physics phenomena, but will also significantly advance the progress of fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Chinese scientists realize fractional quantum Hall state with interacting photons

Heavy rains pounded cities in south China's Guangxi Region from wee hours Sunday, disrupting traffic and trapping residents.

The meteorological observatory in Nanning City issued the highest-level rainstorm warning after the downpour, accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstones started around 04:00 local time.

The heavy rainfall led to treacherous road conditions in the morning as rainwaters kept rising in low-lying areas. In response, the transportation department implemented traffic control measures on flooded roads to ensure safety.

Floodwater has accumulated to depths up to around one meter in some areas of Beihai City, trapping residents and vehicles in the morning. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and successfully evacuated eight people and conducted inspections of 49 flooded vehicles to ensure safety.

The fire department also sent a high-powered drainage vehicle to carry out drainage operations in low-lying areas.

China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters activated a Level-IV emergency response on Saturday due to anticipated heavy rainfall in parts of Guangdong, Guangxi and the Pearl River over the next three days.

Work teams have been dispatched to Guangdong to provide guidance on how to deal with rainstorm.

Heavy rain hits southern Chinese cities, disrupting commuting