In a stunning breakthrough, Italian researchers have transformed light into a supersolid—a rare phase of matter that blends the rigidity of a solid with the frictionless flow of a superfluid. Using a laser and a specially engineered semiconductor made of aluminum gallium arsenide, the team created hybrid light-matter particles called polaritons. These polaritons self-organized into a supersolid state, forming a crystalline pattern while maintaining fluid-like motion.
This achievement could revolutionize quantum physics and pave the way for new advancements in photonic computing, superconductivity, and even exotic quantum materials. By demonstrating that light can exhibit such dual properties, scientists are redefining the boundaries of matter and unlocking new possibilities for future technologies.
See Also