Quantum technology is widely expected to transform the way large and complex data sets are processed. Although currently used primarily in laboratories and research environments, the field is steadily moving toward real-world applications across a variety of industries.
In recent studies exploring the fundamentals of quantum physics, researchers investigated how matter behaves at very small scales, such as atoms, electrons, and photons. The research, led by Ian Powell, a lecturer in Cal Poly’s Department of Physics, focused on how magnetic fields that change over time can cause matter to exhibit unusual and never-before-seen properties.
Powell and student researcher Louis Buchalter, who earned his bachelor’s degree in physics in 2025, published their findings in Physical Review B in a paper titled “Flux-Switching Frocket Engineering.” Their work shows that when a magnetic field is varied in a controlled, time-dependent manner, it can create quantum states that do not exist in materials that do not change over time (stay the same state over time).
“On a broader level, this is an advance in our understanding of how time-dependent control can generate and organize new forms of quantum matter,” Powell said. “The central idea is that useful quantum properties can depend not only on what the material is, but also on how it is driven in time. In our case, we showed that by periodically varying the magnetic field, we can generate driven quantum phases for which there are no static counterparts.”
Aiming for more stable quantum technology
By carefully timing how the magnetic field is applied, scientists can design quantum systems with properties that are more stable and less susceptible to “noise” and defects. These disruptions are a major challenge in quantum technology and often lead to errors in calculations and system performance.
Powell noted that while the technical details may be difficult to explain outside of the field, the broader concept is clear. The discovery suggests new ways to create and study these unusual quantum states in controlled environments such as ultracold atomic experiments.
“The most direct relevance of our research to industry is in quantum computing and quantum simulation, rather than specific end-use areas at this stage,” Powell said. “The ultimate impact on fields such as pharmaceuticals, finance, manufacturing, and aerospace is likely to be indirect, by contributing to the long-term development of better quantum technologies. The next steps toward industrial use will be experimental validation and further work linking these ideas to practical quantum device platforms.”
New mathematical patterns in quantum systems
In addition to creating new quantum states, the research also identified mathematical organizing principles that reflect patterns typically found in higher-dimensional quantum systems. This suggests that relatively simple systems driven by changing conditions may offer new ways to explore more complex quantum physics.
The research team also mapped how these exotic states form, revealing the exact structure of the system’s topological phase diagram. This diagram serves as a visual guide to different stable quantum phases, each defined by fixed topological properties.
Why quantum control is important for computing
Quantum mechanics allows computing systems to process information in ways that far exceed the capabilities of classical computers. These systems can run large-scale simulations, analyze huge data sets, and solve complex problems more efficiently.
Magnetic fields play a central role in this process. They are commonly used to control and measure quantum bits (or qubits), the fundamental units of quantum information. A qubit corresponds to the 0 and 1 units in classical computing (currently applied in general computing) used to represent physical electrical states.
Students’ research experience and future initiatives
For Buchalter, participating in the study provided valuable insight into the research process and science communication.
“Much has been written about the process of conducting research and how new research results can be effectively communicated to the broader scientific community.”
“I learned that research is rarely a simple process and often requires persistence and creative problem-solving during the course of a research project,” Buchalter said. “We believe that our results help demonstrate the power of flocking to realize quantum systems with highly tunable properties, paving the way for further research in periodically driven quantum materials and the development of their applications.”
Buchalter will begin a master of science program in materials science and engineering at the University of Washington in the fall, where he will focus on experimental research in quantum materials. He is also considering a future career at a national laboratory working on developing quantum devices.
“I initially joined this project because I was interested in condensed matter physics, but through experience I became fascinated with the field of quantum materials,” Buchalter said. “I am very interested in continuing to research quantum materials and supporting the development of their applications in electronic and optical devices.”
