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Cavity quantum electrodynamics control of quantum Hall stripes
Lorenzo Graziotto1,2, Josefine Enkner1,2, Sambuddha Chattopadhyay3,4
1Institute for Quantum Electronics, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Nature Physics
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Researchers used engineered cavities to control quantum phases in materials. They observed cavity-induced electronic transport changes in a two-dimensional electron system, suppressing resistivity below zero-field levels.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Condensed matter physics
- Cavity quantum electrodynamics
Background:
- Controlling quantum phases of materials using vacuum field fluctuations in engineered cavities is a key area in optical manipulation.
- Understanding emergent phenomena in electronic systems is crucial for novel material development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate cavity-induced anisotropies in electronic transport.
- To investigate the control of correlated electronic phases using cavity quantum electrodynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing engineered cavities to interact with a high-mobility two-dimensional electron system.
- Applying a strong magnetic field and ultralow temperatures.
- Measuring electronic transport properties, specifically longitudinal resistivity.
Main Results:
- Observed cavity-induced anisotropies in electronic transport.
- Demonstrated suppression of longitudinal resistivity below zero-field values.
- Showcased effects occurring between quantized Hall plateaus at ultralow temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Interpreted results as stabilization of thermally disordered quantum Hall stripes.
- Presented a demonstration of cavity quantum electrodynamics control over a correlated electronic phase.
- Highlighted the potential for optical manipulation of emergent phenomena in materials.
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