重要突破！我国科学家在量子体系中实现并探测高阶非平衡拓扑相

Core Insights - The research team from the University of Science and Technology of China, in collaboration with Shanxi University, has achieved a significant breakthrough by realizing and detecting higher-order non-equilibrium topological phases using the programmable superconducting quantum processor "Zuchongzhi No. 2" [1][3] - This achievement marks an important step in quantum simulation, paving the way for utilizing superconducting quantum processors to achieve quantum advantages in complex topological states [1][3] Group 1: Research Significance - Higher-order topological phases represent a crucial area of study in condensed matter physics and quantum simulation, differing from traditional topological phases by exhibiting localized states on lower-dimensional boundaries [3] - The realization of higher-order topological phases in quantum systems addresses a significant scientific challenge and has implications for revealing the quantum nature of topological states and potential pathways for topological quantum computing based on non-Abelian statistics [3] Group 2: Experimental Details - The experiment utilized a 6x6 two-dimensional qubit array to achieve periodic driving, successfully simulating and detecting both balanced and non-equilibrium second-order topological phases [5] - The research team developed static and Floquet quantum circuit design schemes to construct higher-order topological Hamiltonians in a two-dimensional superconducting qubit array, overcoming key challenges in the field [6] - A systematic optimization scheme for the processor was established, allowing for dynamic control of qubit frequency and coupling strength, leading to the successful execution of up to 50 Floquet periods and the exploration of various characteristics of the non-equilibrium second-order topological phase [6][7]