Testing the Renormalization of the von Klitzing Constant by Cavity Vacuum Fields

TL;DR

This study investigates whether cavity vacuum fields can alter the von Klitzing constant in solid-state systems, using precise measurements to test for potential modifications induced by quantum vacuum effects.

Contribution

The paper presents the first experimental attempt to measure potential modifications of the von Klitzing constant caused by cavity vacuum fields in a solid-state system.

Findings

No detectable deviation in the Hall resistance was observed.

Measurement accuracy reached 1 part in 10^5.

Pioneering exploration of vacuum field effects on fundamental constants.

Abstract

In light of recent developments demonstrating the impact of cavity vacuum fields inducing the breakdown of topological protection in the integer quantum Hall effect, a compelling question arises: what effects might cavity vacuum fields have on fundamental constants in solid-state systems? In this work we present an experiment that assesses the possibility of the von Klitzing constant itself being modified. By employing a Wheatstone bridge, we precisely measure the difference between the quantized Hall resistance of a cavity-embedded Hall bar and the resistance standard, achieving an accuracy down to 1 part in 105 for the lowest Landau level. While our results do not suggest any deviation that could imply a modified Hall resistance, our work represents pioneering efforts in exploring the fundamental implications of vacuum fields in solid-state systems.