Scientists Unveil First Visible Time Crystals, Eyeing Practical Uses

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have achieved a significant breakthrough by creating the first visible time crystals, a development that may have practical applications, including the enhancement of anti-counterfeiting measures on currency like the $100 bill. Published in the journal Nature Materials on September 4, 2023, this innovative work provides a rare opportunity to study a unique phase of matter that has fascinated physicists since its theoretical inception.

Time crystals, first proposed by Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek in 2012, are distinct from traditional crystals because they exhibit a repeating structure not just in space, but also in time. This peculiar behavior challenges conventional understandings of physical laws, which are typically symmetrical in both dimensions. Physicist Hanqing Zhao, the lead author of the study, explained that these new time crystals manifest as “psychedelic tiger stripes” and are observable under certain conditions, including with the naked eye.

To create these visible time crystals, researchers manipulated liquid crystals—molecules that display properties of both solids and liquids—by sandwiching them between two dye-coated glass pieces. When light is directed onto this setup, the dye molecules respond by altering their position, which in turn creates kinks within the liquid crystals. These kinks can move and interact with one another, mimicking the behavior of particles.

Ivan Smalyukh, a co-author of the study, elaborated on the breakthrough, stating, “You have these twists, and you can’t easily remove them. They behave like particles and start interacting with each other.” The researchers found that these interactions remained consistent even when subjected to temperature changes, showcasing the stability of the time crystal structure.

The implications of this research extend beyond fundamental physics. The team envisions potential applications that could revolutionize various fields. For instance, the distinct patterns formed by stacking these time crystals could serve as “time watermarks,” making it increasingly difficult to counterfeit high-denomination currency. Furthermore, advancements in data storage could emerge from stacking these crystals to create complex patterns, allowing for the retention of large quantities of information.

Zhao expressed optimism regarding future applications, saying, “We don’t want to put a limit on the applications right now. I think there are opportunities to push this technology in all sorts of directions.” As the exploration of time crystals continues, the scientific community remains eager to uncover further applications that could leverage this fascinating phase of matter.

This discovery not only expands the understanding of quantum mechanics but also opens doors to innovative technologies that could impact everyday life. The creation of visible time crystals marks a pivotal moment in research, merging theoretical physics with practical solutions.