Why in the News?

In a groundbreaking achievement, Italian researchers have successfully transformed light into a supersolid for the first time in history.

About Supersolid

A supersolid is a rare state of matter that behaves like both a solid and a liquid at the same time.
While it maintains a rigid structure, similar to a solid, it can also flow like a liquid without any internal friction.
How was a supersolid created?
- Researchers made a supersolid by combining light and matter.
- They used polaritons (a mix of light and particle pairs called excitons) to create this new state of matter.
- When these polaritons reach their lowest energy, they form the supersolid that behaves like both a solid and a liquid.
Features of a Supersolid:
- Dual Nature: A supersolid is solid in structure but can also flow like a liquid.
- Quantum Coherence: The particles inside a supersolid work together in a special way because of quantum mechanics, creating unique behaviors.
- Zero Viscosity: It moves without any resistance, just like a superfluid, meaning it can flow freely even though it’s solid.
- Temperature Dependency: Supersolids only form at extremely low temperatures (close to absolute zero, or -273.15°C).

Quantum Computing: Supersolids could help improve the performance of quantum computers, making them more stable.
Superconductors: They might be used to create materials that allow zero-resistance electricity, improving energy transmission.
Frictionless Lubricants: Supersolids could lead to frictionless lubricants, making machinery work more efficiently and last longer.
Fundamental Physics: Studying supersolids helps us understand quantum physics and how particles behave under extreme conditions.
Material Science: Supersolids could help create new materials for advanced technology, including computers, sensors, and energy storage.