Interference Measurements of Non-Abelian e/4 & Abelian e/2 Quasiparticle Braiding

The quantum Hall states at filling factors v = 5/2 and 7/2 are expected to have Abelian charge-e/2 quasiparticles and non-Abelian charge-e/4 quasiparticles. The non-Abelian statistics of the latter is predicted to display a striking interferometric signature, the even-odd effect. By measuring resistance oscillations as a function of the magnetic field in Fabry-Pcrot interferometers using new high-purity heterostructures, we for the first time report experimental evidence for the non-Abelian nature of excitations at v = 7/2. At both v = 5/2 and 7/2, we also examine, for the first time, the fermion parity, a topological quantum number of an even number of non-Abelian quasiparticles. The phase of observed e/4 oscillations is reproducible and stable over long times (hours) near both filling factors, indicating stability of the fermion parity. At both fractions, when phase fluctuations are observed, they are predominantly pi phase flips, consistent with either fermion parity change or change in the number of the enclosed e/4 quasiparticles. We also examine lower-frequency oscillations attributable to Abelian interference processes in both states. Taken together, these results constitute new evidence for the non-Abelian nature of e/4 quasiparticles; the observed lifetime of their combined fermion parity further strengthens the case for their utility for topological quantum computation.

Automated summary

In this study, we provide experimental evidence for the non-Abelian nature of excitations at v = 7/2 by measuring resistance oscillations in Fabry-Pérot interferometers using new high-purity heterostructures. We also examine the fermion parity of non-Abelian quasiparticles at both v = 5/2 and v = 7/2 for the first time. These findings support the utility of e/4 quasiparticles for topological quantum computation.