Light transformed into solid for the first time ever

 For the first time in history, Scientists turn light into a 'supersolid'    

For the first time, researchers transformed light into a quantum crystalline structure to create a "supersolid" that's both solid and liquid at the same time. We would see what that means, and why it's such a big step forward. Scientists have achieved their initial goal of converting light into a supersolid material which unites solid-stage characteristics with those of superfluids. The discovery establishes paths toward studying uncommon quantum nature states of matter while carrying great implications for technological growth.  Although scientists have made supersolids out of atoms before, this is the first instance of coupling light and matter to create a supersolid and it opens new doors for studying condensed-matter physics, researchers explained. 

Supersolids are a strange state of matter defined by quantum mechanics where particles condense into an orderly, crystalline solid but also move like a liquid that has no viscosity. (Viscosity refers to a substance's internal friction, governing how smoothly it flows). Usually, solids don't move on their own, but supersolids change direction and density depending on particle interactions while maintaining an organized lattice structure. The matter form known as a supersolid behaves as both a solid and shows the properties of a superfluid. Despite keeping its rigid arrangement, the material demonstrates smooth flow while remaining non-frictional. Theoretical research on supersolids as a matter state has continued for decades since scientists first considered them in the 1970s. Through precise conditions, scientists believe materials can develop combined solid and superfluid properties to produce an absolute natural anomaly. The discovery shows how particular materials become supple when exposed to exceptionally cold temperatures because they transition into a viscosity-free state. The dual properties of rigidness combined with fluidity create an extraordinary phase called supersolid in matter. Traditional materials possess two distinct states because solids maintain their shape, yet liquids possess free movement. Supersolids demonstrate behaviour beyond normal fluid-solid definitions because they exhibit features of both states.

Supersolids require extremely low temperatures to form, usually very close to absolute zero (minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 273.15 degrees Celsius). Most of the particles have to occupy the lowest energy state available, and heat makes particles jump up and down like excitable toddlers in a ball pit. If a material is cold enough, the temperature no longer obscures how the particles interact with each other. Instead, the tiny effects of quantum mechanics become the defining factors in how the material behaves. Through supersolid phenomena, the study of quantum mechanics becomes possible on significant scales. Research figures supersolid behaviour as an essential key to understanding the fundamental properties of matter and its governing forces. Scientists from the National Research Council (CNR) Italy reached an important scientific breakthrough through their recent laboratory work. Under the direction of Dimitris Trypogeorgos and Daniele Sanvitto, the researchers produced a supersolid by applying laser light. The laser light properties received detailed control, which enabled the emergence of a dynamic, structured material with a fluid-like nature.

Viscosity is a measure of how easily a fluid changes its shape. A fluid with a higher viscosity tends to stick to itself more and, therefore, resist movement, like how syrup moves more sluggishly when poured from a container compared with how water streams from a tap. All fluids, except superfluids and supersolids, have some amount of viscosity. The best-known example of a fluid with no viscosity is helium cooled to temperatures within a few degrees of absolute zero. Particles aren't completely still at absolute zero; they wiggle around a little due to the uncertainty principle. In the case of the helium-4 isotope, they wiggle around a lot, enough to make it impossible for a sample of helium-4 to become solid at absolute zero, unless there are about 25 atmospheres' worth of pressure applied to really squish the particles together. Helium-4's wiggling at absolute zero and other quantum phenomena cause some drastic changes in how the fluid acts. It stops having friction (and, therefore, has no viscosity) and can quickly siphon itself out of containers, among other things. Scientists managed to control light to generate ordered patterns across space even though the light remained fluid despite these arrangements. Supersolid exhibits a unique combination of two distinct characteristics that scientists find to be remarkable in their discovery. Polaritons served as the foundation since these hybrid light-matter particles emerge through strong illumination of confined matter. The scientists established a supersolid state by adjusting the exact interactions of polaritons with precision. A successful transformation of light into a supersolid represents the first instance of making non-traditional matter into this state. The successful experimental results validate theoretical supersolid predictions alongside offering a real-world approach to their creation.

Supersolids have been made from atomic gases before. However, the new research used a novel mechanism that relies on the properties of "polariton" systems. Polaritons are formed by coupling photons (light) and quasiparticles like excitons through strong electromagnetic interactions. Their properties allow them to condense to the lowest possible energy state in a similar way to some atomic gases. In other words, light is coupled with matter, and together, they can be condensed into a supersolid. Scientists created supersolid light-based materials that extend past cursory scientific value since they alter various quantum physics domains. Supersolids can be used to study quantum phenomena because they support research involving Bose-Einstein condensates and superfluidity. Studies of these matter states hold fundamental importance for understanding quantum mechanics principles because they establish basic research for upcoming scientific advancements. Our comprehension of these states of matter enables us to advance quantum computing, materials science, and fundamental physics research about space and time. Supersolids enable researchers to develop stable quantum bits (qubits) since they provide a new medium for controlling quantum state manipulation in quantum computing applications.

The discovery opens doors to developing precise measurement tools and technologies for precision sensing for research purposes. Supersolids possess unique characteristics which make them suitable for developing highly sensitive instruments due to their ability to respond to tiny external stimuli. The discovery will become essential for scientists working in astrophysics, nanotechnology and similar fields to measure phenomena that currently remain unreachable. Scientists continue to explore to realize practical implementations of this discovery while observing extensive potential opportunities. Supersolid materials hold promise to transform different fields, including measurement devices and materials development, leading to advanced properties. Scientists show great enthusiasm for developing next-generation technologies through the use of this new matter form. A breakthrough at this stage has the potential to change our comprehension of both light phenomena and their practical attributes. Research improvements toward creating supersolids may result in the development of ultra-precise lasers and high-performance sensors together with energy-efficient computing methods.

Researchers expect new optical and photonic systems to arise from developing light into a supersolid state. Studying these phenomena could lead to improved communication systems and new control methods for light. Researchers should also investigate supersolid-state interactions with diverse quantum states to develop quantum information processing breakthroughs. Supersolids are important to study because they show the effects of tiny, quantum interactions between particles without temperature getting in the way. When we map out the behaviour and characteristics of supersolids, we're really looking at how atoms and particles are put together. This teaches us about the world we live in at a fundamental level. With more research and development, supersolids could be used for quantum computing, superconductors, frictionless lubricants and applications we haven't even begun to think of yet. There are so many possibilities we have yet to discover, and making a supersolid out of light is a big step forward for the world.