Scientists Uncover Novel Topological Order in Quasicrystals

In April 1982, Professor Dan Shechtman from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology discovered quasicrystals, earning him the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Unlike normal crystals with periodic symmetry, quasicrystals exhibit ordered yet non-periodic structures.Now, researchers from Technion, the University of Stuttgart, and the University of Duisburg-Essen have unveiled a new type of topological order within these quasicrystals, existing in four-dimensional space. This discovery demonstrates that high-dimensional measurements play a crucial role in understanding the physics of quasicrystals.The team's findings, published in Science (2025), reveal that high-dimensional crystals not only dictate the mechanical properties of quasicrystals but also determine their unique topological characteristics. Professor Harald Giessen from the University of Stuttgart explains that the idea is to create tiny nanometer-sized holes in a pentagonal shape.Using advanced microscopy techniques, including vector 2PPE-PEEM imaging, the scientists observed plasmonic quasicrystalline modes with a Q = -2 pentagonal regime. These modes exhibit distinct characteristics that reappear at different locations over time, forming whirls similar to those in a braided challah.This novel topological order, characterized by "skyrmions" (whirls acting like particles), remains constant due to the symmetry of the plasmons. Professor Guy Bartal and Dr. Shai Tsesses from Technion envision applying these findings to other physical systems, potentially revolutionizing information storage, coding, and processing.The discovery highlights that quasicrystals possess symmetrical properties linked to high-dimensional measurements. Furthermore, researchers have identified another intriguing phenomenon: two distinct topological patterns on surface waves appear identical when measured over a defined time interval, revealing a competition between topological and thermodynamic properties within the crystals.The team's work opens avenues for new methods of measuring the thermodynamic properties of quasicrystals and understanding the interplay between topological order and energy states. The potential for utilizing the unique topological properties of high-dimensional quasicrystals in future technologies is vast, promising advancements in data representation and manipulation.