Jainendra Jain
Penn State University
A Strange New Universe: Where Bizarre Quantum Particles Rule
Location: 1080 Physics Research Building
Faculty Host: Mohit Randeria
Abstract: When electrons are confined to two dimensions and exposed to a strong magnetic field, they give rise to an astonishing new world that defies our everyday intuition. In this realm, electrons capture quanta of magnetic flux to transform into exotic particles known as composite fermions. These particles form the foundation of an unexpected and remarkably rich quantum landscape. In this talk, I will share the motivations that led to the discovery of composite fermions, explain what they are, and explore the expansive phenomenology they produce, including the celebrated fractional quantum Hall effects, which in turn spawn additional bizarre particles that could pave the way to new technology. No advanced background required, just a willingness to be amazed by quantum physics.
Bio: Jainendra Jain is the Evan Pugh University Professor at the Pennsylvania State University. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and winner of the Oliver E. Buckley Prize of the American Physical Society. He was awarded the 2025 Wolf Prize for the composite fermion theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect.
