For the first time, light mimics a Nobel Prize quantum effect
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Science News from research organizations For the first time, light mimics a Nobel Prize quantum effect Date: March 1, 2026 Source: Université de Montréal Summary: Scientists have pulled off a feat long considered out of reach: getting light to mimic the famous quantum Hall effect. In their experiment, photons drift sideways in perfectly defined, quantized steps—just like electrons do in powerful magnetic fields. Because these steps depend only on nature’s fundamental constants, they could become a new gold standard for ultra-precise measurements. The discovery also hints at tougher, more reliable quantum photonic technologies. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY In a breakthrough once thought impossible, researchers have shown that light can drift in perfectly quantized steps—mirroring the celebrated quantum Hall effect previously seen only in electrons. Credit: AI/ScienceDaily.com In the late 1800s, physicists discovered what is now called the Hall effect. It occurs when an electric current flows through a material while a magnetic field is applied at a right angle. Under those conditions, a voltage appears across the material in the sideways direction. In simple terms, the magnetic field pushes negatively charged electrons to one side of the conductor. This buildup of charge leaves one edge negatively charged and the opposite edge positively charged, creating a measurable voltage difference. For many years, scientists have used this effect as a reliable tool. It allows them to measure magnetic fields with high precision and determine material doping levels, that is, the addition of a tiny, controlled amount of impurity to a pure material to change how it conducts electricity. From Classical to Quantum Hall Effect During the 1980s, researchers studying ultra thin conductors at extremely low temperatures made a surprising discovery. When these sheet-like materials were exposed to very strong magnetic fields, the sideways voltage did not increase smoothly. Instead, it rose in sharply defined steps. These flat regions, known as plateaus, turned out to be universal. They do not depend on the material's composition, shape or microscopic imperfections. Their values are determined only by fundamental constants of nature: the electron charge and the Planck constant. This phenomenon became known as the quantum Hall effect. Its importance was quickly recognized, ultimately earning three Nobel Prizes in Physics: in 1985, for the discovery of the quantum Hall effect, in 1998 for the discovery of the fractional quantum Hall effect, and in 2016 for the discovery of topological phases of matter.
Why Light Posed a Major Challenge Until recently, the quantum Hall effect had been observed primarily in electrons. Because electrons carry electric charge, they respond directly to electric and magnetic fields. Photons, which are particles of light, have no electric charge and therefore do not naturally react to those forces. As a result, recreating the quantum Hall effect with light seemed extraordinarily difficult. Observing a Quantized Drift of Light An international team of researchers has now achieved that goal by demonstrating a quantized transverse drift of light. Their findings were published in Physical Review X. "Light drifts in a quantized manner, following universal steps analogous to those seen with electrons under strong magnetic fields," said Philippe St-Jean, a physics professor at Université de Montréal and co author of the study. The potential impact of this result is significant. In metrology, the science of precision measurement, optical systems could one day serve as a universal reference standard, possibly working alongside or even replacing electronic systems. Implications for Measurement and Standards The quantum Hall effect already plays a central role in modern measurement science. "Today, the kilogram is defined on the basis of fundamental constants using an electromechanical device that compares electric current to mass," St-Jean explained. "For this current to be perfectly calibrated, we need a universal standard for electrical resistance. "The quantum Hall plateaus give us exactly that. Thanks to them, every country in the world shares an identical definition of mass, without relying on physical artifacts." According to St-Jean, gaining precise, quantized control over how light flows could expand possibilities not only in metrology but also in quantum information processing. It may even help lead to more resilient quantum photonic computers. Small departures from perfect quantization could also be useful. Even tiny deviations might reveal subtle environmental disturbances, opening the door to extremely sensitive new types of sensors. Engineering the Future of Photonics "Observing a quantized drit of light is uniquely challenging, for photonic systems are inherently out of equilibrium," St-Jean noted. "Unlike electrons, light demands precise control, manipulation and stabilization." The team's achievement relied on advanced experimental engineering. Their work suggests new opportunities for designing next generation photonic devices capable of transmitting and processing information in powerful new ways. RELATED TOPICS Matter & Energy Physics Materials Science Spintronics Electricity Computers & Math Spintronics Research Computers and Internet Hacking Encryption RELATED TERMS Introduction to quantum mechanics Quantum computer Quantum entanglement Solar power Quantum dot Schrödinger's cat Science Electron configuration Story Source: Materials provided by Université de Montréal. Original written by Béatrice St-Cyr-Leroux. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference: A. Chénier, B. d’Aligny, F. Pellerin, P.-É. Blanchard, T. Ozawa, I. Carusotto, P. St-Jean.
Quantized Hall Drift in a Frequency-Encoded Photonic Chern Insulator. Physical Review X, 2026; 16 (1) DOI: 10.1103/2dyh-yhrb Cite This Page: MLA APA Chicago Université de Montréal. "For the first time, light mimics a Nobel Prize quantum effect." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 March 2026. . Université de Montréal. (2026, March 1). For the first time, light mimics a Nobel Prize quantum effect. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 1, 2026 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093446.htm Université de Montréal. "For the first time, light mimics a Nobel Prize quantum effect." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093446.htm (accessed March 1, 2026). Explore More from ScienceDaily RELATED STORIES How Scientists Made Quantum Dots Smarter and Cheaper Aug. 15, 2025 Researchers have found a clever way to make quantum dots, tiny light-emitting crystals, produce streams of perfectly controlled photons without relying on expensive, complex electronics. By using a ... Pushing Boundaries: Detecting the Anomalous Hall Effect Without Magnetization in a New Class of Materials Apr. 18, 2025 An international research team has discovered the anomalous Hall effect in a collinear antiferromagnet. More strikingly, the anomalous Hall effect emerges from a non-Fermi liquid state, in which ... The Quest for Room-Temperature Superconductors Mar. 5, 2025 Theoretical physicists reveal that room-temperature superconductivity is possible within the laws of our Universe, linked to fundamental constants like electron mass and Planck constant. Discovery ...
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