Researchers develop time quasicrystals to enhance quantum technology

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new phase of matter called a time quasicrystal. This new material builds on the concept of time crystals, which were first discovered in 2016. Time quasicrystals could change our understanding of physics and have significant applications in technology. Time crystals and time quasicrystals both have unique properties. Regular time crystals oscillate in a predictable way, much like conventional crystals such as diamonds. However, time quasicrystals vibrate at multiple frequencies at once. This complex structure offers new possibilities for advancements in quantum computing and other technologies. To create the time quasicrystal, researchers used diamonds with small atomic vacancies and stimulated them with microwave pulses. This innovative approach allows time quasicrystals to remain in motion indefinitely without using energy. It could lead to improvements in quantum memory and precision timekeeping. One of the challenges in quantum computing is that information can degrade over time. Time quasicrystals may help maintain coherence, enhancing the reliability of quantum systems. They could also replace quartz-based oscillators, which lose accuracy over time. While this discovery is still early in its development, it supports key theories in quantum physics. If researchers succeed in controlling and enhancing these time quasicrystals, they could be instrumental in the future of quantum technology.