Time Quasicrystals: A New Phase of Matter for Quantum Applications

In a groundbreaking achievement, physicists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a "time quasicrystal," a novel phase of matter that challenges conventional understanding of time and motion. Unlike ordinary crystals with repeating spatial patterns, time crystals exhibit repeating patterns in time, oscillating at constant frequencies. This research, published in Physical Review X, marks a significant advancement since the creation of the first time crystal in 2016. The WashU team constructed their quasicrystals within a millimeter-sized diamond, bombarding it with nitrogen beams to create atom-sized vacancies. Electrons occupying these spaces interact quantumly, forming the time quasicrystal, roughly one micrometer in size. Microwave pulses initiate the rhythms within these quasicrystals, establishing order in time. Time crystals and quasicrystals hold potential for diverse applications. Their sensitivity to quantum forces, such as magnetism, suggests their use as long-lasting quantum sensors needing no recharge. They also offer a novel approach to precision timekeeping, potentially surpassing the stability of quartz crystal oscillators. Furthermore, time crystals could revolutionize quantum computing by providing long-term quantum memory, akin to quantum RAM. While this technology remains distant, the creation of a time quasicrystal represents a crucial step forward.