The researchers likened the fractional states to a liquid phase and the electron crystal state to a solid phase, illustrating their coexistence at ultra-low temperatures.

Electrons in this configuration can travel along the edges of the material as fractions of a single charge without energy loss, thanks to a phenomenon known as topological protection.

Researchers from Florida State University, led by Assistant Professor Zhengguang Lu, have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding new quantum states of matter in graphene that could significantly enhance electronics and quantum computing capabilities.

This research builds on over two decades of focus on graphene, revealing previously unknown fractional states and demonstrating the potential of common materials like graphite to exhibit revolutionary quantum properties.

The study identified both integer and fractional quantum anomalous Hall states, which allow electric current to flow with zero resistance and without the need for a magnetic field.

In their experiments, the researchers cooled graphene samples to below 40 millikelvin, resulting in the observation of two distinct phases: fractional quantum anomalous Hall states at 5/9 and 5/11, alongside an electron crystal state.

The research emphasizes the importance of moiré patterns created by the interaction between graphene and boron nitride, which play a crucial role in identifying useful quantum material properties.

Among the key findings is the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect, which, when combined with superconductors, could lead to more efficient and error-free quantum computers.

These findings indicate strongly correlated electron behavior, which is crucial for the development of more efficient quantum computers.

The findings, published in Nature, describe structures made from five layers of graphene sandwiched between boron nitride sheets, which exhibit unique electronic properties at very low temperatures.

This collaborative research involved scientists from MIT and Japan's National Institute for Materials Science, showcasing significant international cooperation in the field of quantum materials.

The multilayer graphene and boron nitride system provides a versatile platform for exploring quantum phenomena, with implications for future advancements in quantum materials science.