Scientists in Italy have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in quantum physics by transforming light into a supersolid an exotic state of matter that combines the rigid structure of a solid with the free-flowing nature of a liquid. Researchers at the National Research Council (CNR) in Italy marks the first time photons have been manipulated into such a state, potentially paving the way for next-generation quantum and photonic technologies.
Supersolids once only observed in atomic system now exist in a photonic form thanks to an intricate process involving semiconductor nanostructures. Researchers used a laser to beam photons onto a gallium arsenide semiconductor, where the light interacted with the material’s excitations creating quasiparticles called polaritons. By engineering the semiconductor’s structure, scientists forced the polaritons into distinct quantum states, forming a spatially structured yet freely flowing system hallmarks of a supersolid.
To verify their achievement, the team mapped the density of photons, revealing the telltale modulation pattern that signals broken translational symmetry, a key property of supersolids. Advanced interferometry further confirmed coherence across the entire system, solidifying the discovery.
This novel method of creating supersolids opens exciting possibilities for quantum research and practical applications, including new light-emitting devices and quantum computing advancements. Scientists believe this breakthrough could bridge the gap between theoretical quantum physics and real-world technological innovation.
