Quantum spin liquids, exotic phases of matter with topological order, have been a major focus in physics for the past several decades. Such phases feature long-range quantum entanglement that can potentially be exploited to realize robust quantum computation. We used a 219-atom programmable quantum simulator to probe quantum spin liquid states. In our approach, arrays of atoms were placed on the links of a kagome lattice, and evolution under Rydberg blockade created frustrated quantum states with no local order. The onset of a quantum spin liquid phase of the paradigmatic toric code type was detected by using topological string operators that provide direct signatures of topological order and quantum correlations. Our observations enable the controlled experimental exploration of topological matter and protected quantum information processing.

中文翻译：

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在可编程量子模拟器上探测拓扑自旋液体

量子自旋液体是具有拓扑序的奇异物质相，在过去的几十年里一直是物理学的主要焦点。这些相具有长程量子纠缠，可以潜在地用于实现稳健的量子计算。我们使用 219 原子可编程量子模拟器来探测量子自旋液态。在我们的方法中，原子阵列被放置在 kagome 晶格的链接上，在里德堡封锁下的进化产生了没有局部秩序的受挫量子态。通过使用提供拓扑顺序和量子相关性的直接特征的拓扑弦算子来检测范式复曲面码类型的量子自旋液相的开始。我们的观察使拓扑物质的受控实验探索和受保护的量子信息处理成为可能。