Recently, scientists have successfully “frozen” light, demonstrating that it can behave as a supersolid, a rare state of matter that exhibits both solid-like structure and frictionless flow.

About Supersolid State

• A supersolid is an exotic state of matter that combines:
  • Solid-like rigidity: Maintains a fixed structure.
  • Superfluid-like flow: Exhibits frictionless movement.
• Previous Observations: Supersolidity was previously observed only in Bose-Einstein Condensates (BECs) – a state of matter formed when bosons are cooled to near absolute zero.
• New Discovery: Light itself can exhibit supersolid behavior under specific quantum conditions.

Characteristics of a Supersolid

• Dual Nature: Combines properties of solids (rigidity) and superfluids (frictionless flow).
• Quantum Coherence: Particles are in a highly correlated quantum state.
• Zero Viscosity: Moves without internal resistance or friction.
• Temperature Dependency: Forms only at ultra-cold temperatures, close to absolute zero (-273.15°C).

Why Do Supersolids Require Extreme Cold?

• Minimized Heat Energy: Prevents chaotic particle movement.
• Dominance of Quantum Effects: Quantum mechanics governs particle behavior at such low temperatures.
• Lowest Energy State: Particles condense into their ground state, enabling the study of quantum interactions.

How Did Scientists Produce Frozen Light?

• Role of Polaritons:
  • Hybrid particles formed by coupling photons (light) with excitons (electron-hole pairs).
  • Polaritons exhibit quantum properties similar to atomic gases, enabling supersolid formation.
• Mechanism:
  • Photon-Matter Coupling: Strong electromagnetic interactions bind photons and quasiparticles.
  • Energy Condensation: The system reaches its lowest energy state, forming a supersolid.
  • Quantum Coherence: Polaritons maintain a structured lattice while behaving like a liquid.

Implications of the Discovery

• Quantum Computing: Enhances the stability and performance of quantum processors.
  • Potential for more efficient quantum bits (qubits).
• Superconductors: Improves electrical conduction with zero resistance.
• Frictionless Lubricants: Enables the creation of ultra-efficient lubrication systems.
• Fundamental Physics: Provides deeper insights into quantum mechanics and condensed-matter physics.
• Future Technologies: Paves the way for advancements in optical devices, photonic circuits, and quantum sensors.