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Researchers are investigating Majorana particles as foundational components for reliable quantum computers, as their distinct characteristics

Recent experiments in condensed matter involving superconducting nanowires have displayed signals that align with Majorana modes

Deeksha Upadhyay 04 September 2025 12:37

Researchers are investigating Majorana particles as foundational components for reliable quantum computers, as their distinct characteristics

What is it?

A theoretical particle that serves as its own antiparticle.

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In contrast to electrons or protons that annihilate with their antimatter versions, Majoranas exhibit complete symmetry.

Found by:

Suggested in 1937 by Italian scientist Ettore Majorana.

Initially proposed in theoretical particle physics; subsequently investigated in condensed matter systems as quasiparticles.

Features:

Self-mirror characteristic: A Majorana particle serves as its own antiparticle. In contrast to an electron (matter) and positron (antimatter), there is no difference.

No self-annihilation: When two Majoranas come together, they do not eliminate each other, in contrast to ordinary matter-antimatter pairs.

Neutral particles: They possess no electric charge, making direct detection more challenging.

Manifest in unique substances: In laboratories, they appear as quasiparticles within superconductors at very low temperatures, rather than as free particles found in nature.

Arrive in pairs: They generally exist as two distinct sections. They collectively create a single quantum state, but each portion is kept at a significant distance, providing inherent error resistance.

Exotic quantum behavior: They fall under a unique group known as non-Abelian anyons. When you exchange or "intertwine" them, the total quantum state alters in a distinctive, expected manner.

Difficult to identify: Indicators that imply their existence can frequently be replicated by other phenomena, leading researchers to be careful in their validation.

Uses:

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Quantum Computing: basis of topological qubits, inherently resilient to decoherence and interference.

Fermion Physics: exploration for essential Majorana fermions (e.g., determining if neutrinos are Majorana particles).

Condensed Matter Physics: progress in superconductors, nanostructures, and quantum substances.

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