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.