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Scientists Unveil the Mind-Blowing Phenomenon of 'Second Sound'

<ul>
 <li>
 Typically, when an object heats up, the warmth spreads outwards and gradually disperses. However, this conventional behavior doesn’t apply in the case of superfluid quantum gases.
 </li>
 <li>
 For the first time, researchers from MIT have managed to capture images of how heat moves in a wave form, referred to as "second sound," through this unusual liquid.
 </li>
 <li>
 Grasping this interaction might aid in solving mysteries surrounding high-temperature superconductors and neutron stars.
 </li>
</ul>

 In the realm of ordinary, day-to-day substances, heat generally disperses from a specific origin point. Toss a glowing ember into a container of water, and that
 liquid
 will gradually increase in temperature before its warmth ultimately fades away. However, the world is home to numerous unusual, luxurious substances that do not
 exactly
 follow these thermal guidelines.


 Rather than dispersing as anticipated, these superfluid quantum gases exhibit "side-to-side heat sloshing"—it basically spreads this way.
 wave
 Scientists refer to this behavior as a material’s "second sound" (with the first being conventional sound through a density wave). Despite having been previously detected, this effect had not yet been visualized. However, researchers from MIT have now managed to document the flow of pure heat by pioneering an advanced technique known as thermography (or heat mapping).


 The findings of this research were released
 in the journal
 Science
 , and in an
 university press release
 emphasizing the accomplishment, MIT Assistant Professor and co-author Richard Fletcher extended the boiling pot metaphor to illustrate the intrinsic peculiarity of "second
 sound
 within these exotic superfluids.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AwjqY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AwjqY.jpg"/>

 It's like you have a tank of
 water
 And heated up one half almost to boiling," Fletcher explained. "Once you observed it, the water appeared completely peaceful, but abruptly the opposite side would become scorching hot, and then switch back again, with the heat moving back and forth, even as the surface of the water remained utterly still.


 These superfluids form when a group of atoms is exposed to extremely low temperatures nearing
 absolute zero
 (-459.67 °F). At this extreme temperature, atomic behavior changes significantly, resulting in a nearly frictionless fluid. This state allows for the theoretical propagation of heat similar to how waves travel.


 Second sound is characteristic of superfluidity; however, in ultracold gases up until now, it has only been observable as a subtle fluctuation in density.
 ripples
 As stated by lead author Martin Zwierlein in a press release, "These findings provide additional support for our understanding." He further noted, "We were unable to confirm the nature of the heatwave prior to this study."


 To ultimately capture this second sound in action, Zweierlein and his team needed to look beyond the conventional thermal box since tracking the heat from an ultracold object poses a significant challenge; these objects do not produce typical infrared radiation. Therefore, MIT researchers developed a method using radio frequencies to monitor specific subatomic particles called "lithium-6 fermions," which can be detected through alternative means.
 frequencies
 In connection with their temperature (that is, higher temperatures correspond to higher frequencies, and lower temperatures to lower frequencies). This innovative method enabled the scientists to focus precisely on the "warmer" frequencies (even though they remained quite cool) and monitor the subsequent second wave as it progressed over time.


 It could seem like a significant "who cares?" After all, when was the last time you experienced something similar to a superfluid?
 quantum
 Sure? However, pose this question to a materials scientist or an astronomer, and you'll receive quite a distinct response.


 Although exotic superfluids might not dominate our daily experiences (just yet), comprehending the characteristics of second-sound propagation could aid in answering queries about high-temperature scenarios.
 superconductors
 (again, still at
 very
 low temperatures) or the complex physics that lie at the core of
 neutron stars
 .

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Scientists Unveil the Mind-Blowing Phenomenon of 'Second Sound'

Unknown audio, music, physics, quantum mechanics, science

Typically, when an object heats up, the warmth spreads outwards and gradually disperses. However, this conventional behavior doesn’t apply in the case of superfluid quantum gases. For the f…

Scientists Achieve Breakthrough: Transforming Light into "Supersolid" for First Time, Sparking Quantum Physics Revolution

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Atl93" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Atl93.jpg"/>


 In an unprecedented study, scientists have managed to effectively convert
 
 light
 
 into a
 
 supersolid
 
 , a peculiar form of matter that displays characteristics of both solids and fluids. This finding was published in
 
 Nature
 
 , made possible by a collaboration between physicists and nanotechnologists, paves the way for new possibilities in
 
 quantum mechanics
 
 ,
 
 photonics
 
 , and
 
 advanced materials research
 
 .

<h2>
 Understanding Supersolids
</h2>

 A
 
 supersolid
 
 is an apparent contradiction in the nature of matter that persists
 
 crystalline structure
 
 much like something firm yet able to move freely without obstruction, a characteristic common among superfluids.


 Traditionally, supersolids have only been seen in
 
 ultracold atomic gases
 
 , necessitating temperatures near
 
 absolute zero
 
 The capability to produce a supersolid utilizing
 
 light
 
 poses new questions about our understanding of matter and energy.

<h2>
 Converting Light Into a Substance
</h2>

 The study was carried out by a group headed by
 
 Dimitris Trypogeorgos
 
 and
 
 Daniele Sanvitto
 
 At the National Research Council
 
 (CNR)
 
 in Italy. The researchers launched a
 
 laser beam
 
 at a
 
 gallium arsenide
 
 design featuring meticulously crafted micro-sized grooves.


 The interplay between the light and the substance resulted in the creation of
 
 polaritons
 
 , hybrid light-matter particles that demonstrated supersolid characteristics.


 Based on what the researchers found, this configuration pushed the polaritons into a position where they were
 
 ordered lattice structure
 
 while at the same time enabling them to move freely
 
 without viscosity
 
 . As Trypogeorgos described,

<div class="nordot-blockquote">
 <blockquote>
 
 
 We've essentially turned light into a solid form. Pretty amazing, huh?
 
 
 </blockquote>
</div>

 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Atl96" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Atl96.jpg"/>

<h2>
 The Importance of Light-Generated Supersolids
</h2>

 For the first time, a supersolid has been generated with light, potentially opening up novel methods for controlling photonic substances and quantum setups.


 In contrast to earlier experiments that needed ultracold atoms, this light-based supersolid could potentially be easier to achieve.
 
 stable and controllable
 
 , making it perfect for upcoming developments in quantum computing and optical technology.


 The discovery might offer substantial advantages for quantum computing since photonic systems based on supersolids could yield a more robust base for qubits, which are fundamental components of quantum information.


 Furthermore, the capability to generate supersolid light might propel advancements
 
 next-generation optical circuits
 
 , resulting in quicker and more efficient photonic devices. This breakthrough also opens avenues for exploration.
 
 new states of matter
 
 , thereby enhancing our comprehension of how light and matter behave under intense quantum circumstances.

<h2>
 Looking Ahead
</h2>

 The group intends to enhance their strategy for better command over light-induced supersolids, investigating potential applications of these phenomena.
 next-generation quantum systems
 .


 Upcoming studies will concentrate on making supersolid light more stable and controllable, potentially transforming various sectors including basic physics, photonic technology, and computational methods.


 This benchmark questions traditional perceptions of light’s potential and paves the way for upcoming advancements in quantum physics and materials science.


 The capability to manipulate light as both an
 
 fluid and a solid
 
 might substantially alter how researchers tackle
 
 quantum materials
 
 And their uses in today's world.


 
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 Sign up for our complimentary e-newsletter
 For captivating tales, special material, and up-to-date information.


 To stay updated with similar stories, check out
 .

Scientists Achieve Breakthrough: Transforming Light into "Supersolid" for First Time, Sparking Quantum Physics Revolution

Unknown innovation, physics, science, sustainability, technology

In an unprecedented study, scientists have managed to effectively convert light into a supersolid , a peculiar form of matter that displays characteristics of both solids and fluids.…