A mysterious menagerie of quantum states — once purely theoretical — has been brought to life by researchers at Columbia using twisted molybdenum ditelluride.

These newly observed states, some never seen before, hint at the possibility of topological quantum computers that don’t require magnetic fields, overcoming a major obstacle in the field. By employing a highly sensitive optical technique, scientists have not only identified a range of exotic quantum states but also demonstrated a new experimental approach that may transform the way we study quantum matter.

Quantum States: A Growing “Zoo”