Supersolid: Scientists turn light into a solid that flows like liquid for first time – Interesting Engineering

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the field of condensed matter physics.16 hours ago17 hours ago19 hours agoa day ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago6 hours ago7 hours ago9 hours ago11 hours ago12 hours ago13 hours ago13 hours ago13 hours ago14 hours ago14 hours agoKapil KajalRepresentative image of light.NeoLeo/iStockIn a remarkable development, researchers have successfully turned light into a supersolid for the first time, paving the way for new insights into the unusual quantum states of matter. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the field of condensed matter physics.Dimitrios Trypogeorgos from Italy’s National Research Council (CNR) reportedly said, “We actually made light into a solid. That’s pretty awesome.” This feat builds on earlier work by fellow CNR scientist Danielle Sanvitto, who demonstrated over a decade ago that light could behave like a fluid. However, Trypogeorgos, Sanvitto, and their team have taken it further by creating what they call a quantum “supersolid.”Supersolids are unique materials with zero viscosity and a structure resembling conventional crystals, like those found in table salt. Unlike typical materials, which behave according to familiar laws of physics, supersolids exist mainly in the quantum realm, NewScientist reported.Until now, such materials were only achievable in controlled experiments involving atoms cooled to extremely low temperatures—conditions under which quantum effects become prominent and observable.The recent experiment diverged from previous methods by utilizing a semiconductor known as aluminum gallium arsenide instead of ultracold atoms. The researchers directed a laser at a specifically patterned piece of the semiconductor, which featured narrow ridges. This interaction between the light and the semiconductor led to the formation of hybrid particles called polaritons. The ridge pattern played a critical role by constraining how these quasiparticles could move and their energy levels, ultimately enabling the polaritons to coalesce into a supersolid state.The team faced a significant challenge to solidify their findings: they needed to accurately measure enough properties of this newly formed supersolid, offering proof that it truly exhibited characteristics of both a solid and a fluid with no viscosity. Sanvitto highlighted the complexity of the task, stating that a supersolid made from light had never been created or experimentally validated before.Alberto Bramati from Sorbonne University in France also emphasized the importance of the study, noting that it contributes to a broader understanding of how quantum matter can change states through phase transition. While the team has convincingly shown that they produced a supersolid, Bramati acknowledged that additional measurements and analyses are necessary to comprehend its properties fully.Trypogeorgos expressed optimism about future research opportunities involving light-based supersolids. He suggested that these forms of matter might be more manageable than those generated from atoms. This characteristic could lead to a deeper exploration of novel and unexpected states of matter and practical applications in quantum technology.As the field of quantum physics continues to evolve, creating a light-based supersolid represents an exciting beginning for researchers. With much more to uncover about the behavior of this new state of matter, scientists are keen to delve deeper into its nuances, potentially uncovering groundbreaking applications in the coming years.In summary, turning light into a solid isn’t just an impressive demonstration of scientific capability; it opens the door to new realms of understanding in the fascinating world of quantum mechanics. As it stands, this groundbreaking research embodies a significant step into uncharted territory for understanding the fundamental building blocks of our universe.Kapil Kajal Kapil Kajal is an award-winning journalist with a diverse portfolio spanning defense, politics, technology, crime, environment, human rights, and foreign policy. His work has been featured in publications such as Janes, National Geographic, Al Jazeera, Rest of World, Mongabay, and Nikkei. Kapil holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communication Engineering and a master’s diploma in journalism from the Institute of Journalism and New Media in Bangalore.Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.By clicking sign up, you confirm that you accept this site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy16 hours ago16 hours ago17 hours ago17 hours agoPremiumIE PROFollow

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/science/scientists-create-supersolid-from-light