Topology-Quantum Mechanics Link Suggests a New State of Matter

December 18, 2010

Science may have uncovered an example of a new state of matter thanks to the fact that the mathematics of topology and quantum mechanics turn out to be identical.

In the article "New States of Matter Suggested by New Topological Structures" (December 13, 2010), Nils A. Baas (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) noted the formal mathematical connection between Borromean rings and the triplets of cesium. And it’s the bonds that allow cesium atoms to stick together in triplets that imply the existence of more complex objects.

According to Baas, Borromean rings are the simplest example of an entire periodic table of topological structures. If it's possible to make Efimov states that are equivalent to Borromean rings, then it ought to be possible to make a state of matter that is governed by new rules, so-called "Efimov physics".

"Efimov physics" could suggest a way to generate quantum entanglement, which would have implications for cryptography, computing, and information science.

Source: Technology Review (December 16, 2010)