Why in the News?
For the first time scientists of Italy's National Research Council have made supersolid from light.
About Supersolid
- Definition: It is a rare state of matter that exhibits both solid-like structure and frictionless flow.
- It is defined by quantum mechanics where particles condense into an orderly, crystalline solid but also move like a liquid that has no viscosity (thus, zero friction exist in their movement).
- Initial Research: First predicted in the 1960s, Supersolid were demonstrated in 2017 using ultracold Bose–Einstein Condensates (BEC).
- So far Supersolid required extremely low temperatures usually very close to absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -273.15°C) where quantum effects appear.
- At this temperature, atoms have minimal energy, and matter behaves in unusual ways, such as forming the fifth state of matter also termed as BECs.
- While scientists cannot reach absolute zero exactly, they can get extremely close in laboratory conditions.
- Current Research: The new research used a novel mechanism that relies on the properties of "polariton" systems.
- Polaritons are formed by coupling light and quasiparticles like excitons through strong electromagnetic interactions.
- Quasiparticles are mathematical construct which treat elementary excitations in solids, like spin waves, as particles.
- As the particles do not consist of matter, they are called quasi particles.
What is the Significance of Converting Light into Supersolid?
- Supersolid light could play a crucial role in developing more stable quantum bits (qubits), which are essential for the advancement of quantum computing.
- The ability to manipulate light in this way could revolutionize optical devices, photonic circuits, and even fundamental quantum mechanics research.
- The ability to manipulate light at this level allows researchers to explore new realms of material science and could lead to advancements in how we understand and use energy.
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