Scientists from Columbia, Nanjing University, Princeton, and the University of Munster have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. In a paper published in Nature, they presented the first experimental evidence of collective excitations with spin called chiral graviton modes (CGMs) in a semiconducting material.
The discovery of CGMs is seen as a major leap forward in bridging the gap between quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theories of relativity. These findings could expand our understanding of gravity and the fundamental forces that govern the cosmos.
The research team found the particle in a condensed matter system known as a fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) liquid, which can be mathematically described using quantum geometry. This breakthrough was made possible by the late Columbia professor Aron Pinczuk, who developed experimental tools to probe complex quantum systems.
Using innovative techniques such as low-temperature resonant inelastic scattering and circularly polarized light, the team observed properties consistent with predictions from quantum geometry for CGMs. The international collaboration involved samples prepared by Princeton and measurements carried out at Columbia, with experiments conducted in China by former Columbia postdoc Lingjie Du.
CGMs bear resemblances to gravitons, particles predicted to have a crucial role in gravity. This discovery could potentially connect high energy physics with condensed matter physics, opening up new avenues for research in both fields.
Future research aims to apply the polarized light technique to higher energy levels in FQHE liquids and other quantum systems where quantum geometry predicts unique properties from collective particles. These findings mark a significant step towards a deeper understanding of gravity and the fundamental forces that shape the universe.
