Why the quantum time crystal proves true science is never fixed in time

Image source: Quanta Magazine

The core of science is debate. One scientist will propose a hypothesis, which is then tested with experimentation. If the data from the experiment tends to confirm the hypothesis, it gains acceptance in a wider professional audience.

If the data tends to refute the hypothesis, it can be abandoned in favour of another new hypothesis.

If the data are unclear, the experiments can continue. At the same time, other professionals can question the hypothesis or propose their own.

All of these ideas and results are published in peer-reviewed academic journals. The debate goes on until some consensus is reached. The consensus may last only until some even better view comes along

Different experts may question the experiments or challenge the interpretation of experimental data. True science is never settled. It evolves. Newton, Einstein and Niels Bohr revolutionized the work of their predecessors.

So give me an example you say. Well the second law of thermodynamics has been broken. A team at Google, working in collaboration with physicists at Stanford and Princeton just published research that illustrates this.

They employed Google’s quantum computer to develop a “time crystal” that moves in a precise manner without burning any energy. A time crystal is a new category for phases of matter — one that physicists have searched for over many years.

Here is the depiction:

As we can see here, the crystal “jumps” in an endless, repeating pattern. And it does this without using any energy.

Pre-existing science indicates this is not possible because it is in direct violation of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that as energy is transferred or transformed, more and more energy is wasted. And as a result, in any isolated system, there’s a natural tendency for things to deteriorate into greater disorder — an idea known as entropy.

But in this case, the time crystal is not transferring any energy as it moves. The energy remains constant. That means the time crystal violates the second law of thermodynamics.

The cryostat used to hold Google’s quantum processors. Image: Google

The theory behind time crystals is not new, but were not practically possible demonstrate until the advent of advanced quantum computing technology.

Quantum computers are designed to solve problems once thought impossible — at previously impossible speeds.

Precise timing underpins the world’s computing and communications systems. This discovery will be the foundation of the next generation of computing systems and networks because more precise timing results in less errors and improved network performance.

Time crystals will likely be used to improve a quantum computers’ performance because its fast feedback loop will accelerate technological development.

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