Scientists unveil new form of matter: Time crystals
Physicists repeatedly tweaked a group of ions to create first example of a non-equilibrium material
Date:
January 26, 2017
Source:
University of California - Berkeley
Summary:
Normal crystals, likes diamond, are an atomic lattice that repeats in space, but physicists recently suggested making materials that repeat in time. Last year, reseachers sketched out the phases surrounding a time crystal and what to measure in order to confirm that this new material is actually a stable phase of matter. This stimulated two teams to build a time crystal, the first examples of a non-equilibrium form of matter.
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FULL STORY
Following a blueprint created by UC Berkeley physicist Norman Yao, physicists at the University of Maryland made the first time crystal using a one-dimensional chain of ytterbium ions. Each ion behaves like an electron spin and exhibits long-range interactions indicated by the arrows.
Credit: Chris Monroe, University of Maryland
To most people, crystals mean diamond bling, semiprecious gems or perhaps the jagged amethyst or quartz crystals beloved by collectors.
To Norman Yao, these inert crystals are the tip of the iceberg.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170126120502.htm
