Scientists create optical skyrmions using a 200-year-old physics effect for future computers

Scientists created stable optical skyrmions, complex light patterns, using a simple laser and disc setup. This breakthrough could advance future computing and data storage. The method leverages the 200-year-old Poisson spot phenomenon, avoiding expensive, engineered materials. This simplification makes optical skyrmions more accessible for research and development. This discovery offers a new way to study and control light's properties, potentially leading to innovations in photonics and next-generation computing technologies.