For the first time, researchers have successfully transformed light into a peculiar solid that can also flow like a liquid, marking a major breakthrough in quantum physics.
Dimitris Trypogeorgos from the National Research Council (CNR) in Italy describes this achievement as “pretty amazing,” emphasizing how light, which was previously shown to behave as a fluid, has now been pushed even further into the realm of exotic matter.
Over a decade ago, Daniele Sanvitto, also from CNR, demonstrated that light could exhibit fluid-like properties, but now, he and Trypogeorgos, along with their team, have managed to create a quantum “supersolid” entirely from light.
This discovery could open the door to deeper insights into quantum states of matter, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of physics and leading to future applications in advanced technology.
