First visible time crystal made by physicists
Physicists created a time crystal visible to the naked eye, opening new technological possibilities like anti-counterfeiting measures.
Why it matters
- Time crystals could revolutionize technology with applications in anti-counterfeiting, random number generation, and optical devices.
By the numbers
- The time crystal was created using liquid crystals and observed as neon-hued stripes.
The big picture
- Time crystals are a new phenomenon with potential in quantum behavior exploration and technological applications.
What they're saying
- "They can be observed directly under a microscope and even, under special conditions, by the naked eye," says physicist Hanqing Zhao.
Caveats
- Further exploration is needed to understand time crystal properties in different systems.
What’s next
- Potential applications include optical devices, telecommunications, and anti-counterfeiting designs.