Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
07:57
Using the GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System for Molecular Weight-Based Fractionation with Liquid Phase Recovery
Published on: December 3, 2009
17.1K
Charge Fractionalization in the Two-Channel Kondo Effect
L Aviad Landau1, Eyal Cornfeld1, Eran Sela1
1Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel-Aviv University, IL-69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.
Physical Review Letters
|May 19, 2018
Summary
Charge fractionalization, where excitations carry fractional quantum numbers, may occur in the two-channel Kondo effect. Experiments show emergent fermions with half-integer charge, confirmed by a universal Fano factor of 1/2.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Phenomena
Background:
- Charge fractionalization is a predicted phenomenon in strongly correlated systems like spin liquids.
- The two-channel Kondo effect represents a simple non-Fermi liquid where fractionalization might occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate charge fractionalization in a two-channel Kondo effect system.
- To identify emergent fermions with fractional charge through transport measurements.
Main Methods:
- Studying nonequilibrium transport through a device realizing the charge two-channel Kondo critical point.
- Analyzing shot noise at low voltages.
Main Results:
- A universal Fano factor of e*/e = 1/2 was predicted and observed.
- This result confirms the presence of elementary transport processes involving emergent fermions.
Conclusions:
- The two-channel Kondo effect provides an experimental platform for observing charge fractionalization.
- Emergent fermions carrying half-integer charge have been experimentally identified.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Ion Channels
91.5K
The movement of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium into and out of the cell is essential to maintain the electrochemical gradient in living cells. The ion channels—a class of membrane transport proteins—help maintain this ionic gradient for the smooth functioning of physiological activities such as maintaining cell size and volume, conducting nerve impulses, and gas and nutrient exchange.
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow...
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow...
91.5K
02:42Formal Charges
40.7K
In some cases, there are seemingly more than one valid Lewis structures for molecules and polyatomic ions. The concept of formal charges can be used to help predict the most appropriate Lewis structure when more than one reasonable structure exists.
40.7K
03:27Ions and Ionic Charges
79.3K
In ordinary chemical reactions, the nucleus — which contains the protons and neutrons of each atom and thus identifies the element — remains unchanged. Electrons, however, can be added to atoms by transfer from other atoms, lost by transfer to other atoms, or shared with other atoms. The transfer and sharing of electrons among atoms govern the chemistry of the elements. During the formation of some compounds, atoms gain or lose electrons to form electrically charged particles called...
79.3K
03:08Atomic Radii and Effective Nuclear Charge
62.3K
The elements in groups of the periodic table exhibit similar chemical behavior. This similarity occurs because the members of a group have the same number and distribution of electrons in their valence shells.
62.3K
01:11Electric Charges
23.1K
From lightning during thunderstorms to electronic devices, the phenomenon of electromagnetism is all around us. The electromagnetic force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. It has been known to humanity in various forms for thousands of years. For example, the ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus recorded his experiments on static electricity using amber and fur in the sixth century BC.
The English physicist William Gilbert studied the phenomenon of static electricity in...
The English physicist William Gilbert studied the phenomenon of static electricity in...
23.1K
01:26Charge on a Conductor
5.4K
An interesting property of a conductor in static equilibrium is that extra charges on the conductor end up on its outer surface, regardless of where they originate. Consider a hollow metallic conductor with a uniform surface charge density. Since the conductor itself is in electrostatic equilibrium, there should not be any electric field inside the conductor. Now, assume a Gaussian surface enclosing the hollow portion. Applying Gauss's law, the inner surface of the hollow conductor will not...
5.4K