Anyons are a type of quasiparticle that can exist in two-dimensional systems, exhibiting unique properties that differ from traditional particles like electrons. Unlike fermions and bosons, which follow specific statistical rules, anyons can have fractional statistics, allowing them to behave in ways that are not fully understood. This makes them particularly interesting for research in quantum physics.
The study of anyons is significant for potential applications in quantum computing, especially in the development of topological quantum computers. These computers could use the braiding of anyons to perform calculations, providing a more stable and error-resistant form of computation compared to conventional methods.