Physicists from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Princeton University, and Google Quantum AI have made a major breakthrough in quantum physics. They have already successfully achieved a Floquet topologically ordered state in practice. This significant achievement, announced on September 11, 2025, marks the first time this theoretically proposed phase of matter has been observed, utilizing a 58 superconducting qubit quantum processor.
Floquet systems are quantum systems subject to periodic in−time driving. This unrealized and distinct quality gives scientists the ability to explore intricate behaviors that classical techniques have difficulty accomplishing. Our joint project sought to gain insight into these nonequilibrium states. These states have non-local properties and are exponentially difficult for classical computers to simulate. This groundbreaking research was published in the highly influential journal Nature, with DOI 10.1038/s41586-025-09456-3.
Understanding Floquet Topologically Ordered States
Floquet topologically ordered states represent an intriguing new class of nonequilibrium phases of matter. These states are unlike traditional phases such as solid, liquid, gas. When under the right time-dependent but specific external forces, these people are able to be moved to act in enormous and powerful ways. Researchers believe they’re essential in moving the discipline of quantum computing forward and exploring the foundational tenets of quantum mechanics.
Creation of this state not only proves a theoretical prediction but it also paves the way to discover novel quantum effects. Melissa Will, a TUM physics Ph.D. student, illustrated a major hurdle in her discipline. As she put it, “Highly entangled nonequilibrium phases are notoriously difficult to represent with classical computers.” This underlines the need of quantum processors in quest for scientific discoveries that transcends classical computational boundaries.
The Role of Quantum Processors
A 58 superconducting qubit quantum processor was key in realizing the Floquet topologically ordered state. Its use was a major factor that led to this historic success. Quantum processors use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform extremely complex computations. They’re able to conduct modeling and analysis that dated systems just can’t keep up with. TUM, Princeton University, and Google Quantum AI have partnered to lead the collaborative to demonstrate the full potential value of this technology. Their joint efforts open doors for exploring new states of matter via experimental platforms.
“Our results show that quantum processors are not just computational devices—they are powerful experimental platforms for discovering and probing entirely new states of matter.” This assertion highlights the profound quantum technological impact, both literally in the academic and pragmatic usage of the technology.
Implications for Future Research
Future research into these Floquet topologically ordered states has great implications for the advancement of quantum physics and materials science. This advance adds an important new fundamental understanding to the base of knowledge that supports current theories while opening up new possibilities for experimentation with nonequilibrium states. According to the scientists, further exploration will facilitate breakthroughs in quantum computing, materials design, and other technological innovations.
With this guidance, researchers have made a once-theoretical concept concrete. This creates a precedent for future pioneering studies of Floquet systems. This quick development lays the foundation for some pretty exciting new applications. It tremendously shapes many disciplines including condensed matter physics and quantum information science.