The Science of Supersolids

Draft script:

This space is not reserved for gloom-and-doom alone. As a scientist, I am interested in many aspects of science. I have reported on the process of science. In this post, I comment on information new to science.

From Sustainability Times on 13 July 2025 comes an article titled “Confirmed for the First Time”: Scientists Turn Light Into a Never-Before-Seen Solid With Reality-Bending Quantum Properties. The subhead: “In a landmark achievement, researchers have successfully transformed light into a supersolid, merging the properties of solids and superfluids, and opening new avenues for quantum mechanics studies and technological advancements.”

The article begins with four sentences within a subsection titled “IN A NUTSHELL”:

Researchers achieved a breakthrough by converting light into a supersolid, combining properties of solids and superfluids.

Supersolids emerge under extremely cold temperatures, exhibiting zero viscosity and challenging traditional states of matter.

The study enhances understanding of quantum mechanics and supports advancements in quantum computing and precision measurement technologies.

Future research on supersolids could revolutionize fields like communication technology and quantum information processing.

The initial paragraph provides news that is clearly exciting to the writer: “In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, researchers have managed to transform light into a supersolid material, marking a revolutionary step in understanding states of matter. This pioneering development merges the characteristics of solid and superfluid states, unlocking new pathways for studying quantum mechanics and presenting vast implications for technological advancements. As we delve deeper into this extraordinary discovery, it becomes clear that the transformation of light into a supersolid is more than just a scientific curiosity; it represents a paradigm shift in how we understand and manipulate the fundamental properties of matter.”

Considering the importance of understanding states of matter—think Albert Einstein—this is exciting news. Einstein published four papers in 1905 that revolutionized our understanding of physics. The papers dealt with four different topics: (1) the photoelectric effect, (2) Brownian motion, (3) special relativity, and (4) mass-energy equivalence. All four papers were published in the German, peer-reviewed journal Annalen der Physik, or Annals of Physics. Einstein was 26 years old when these papers were published. This recent paper in Sustainability Times describes work that is in the same category as Einstein’s work.

Beneath a subsection titled “Supersolids Explained: This Mind-Bending State of Matter Behaves Like a Solid and a Liquid at Once, we are given an overview of supersolids and their importance: “The concept of a supersolid is as fascinating as it is complex. This form of matter simultaneously exhibits properties of both solids and superfluids. While maintaining a rigid structure, a supersolid flows smoothly without friction, defying traditional classifications. First theorized in the 1970s, the possibility of supersolids has intrigued scientists for decades. Through carefully controlled conditions, it is now believed that materials can achieve this dual state, forming a natural anomaly that challenges conventional understanding.

Supersolids emerge when materials are exposed to extremely cold temperatures, transitioning into a state of zero viscosity. This unique phase combines rigidity with fluidity, creating behavior that surpasses typical definitions of solid or liquid states. Traditional solids retain their shape, while liquids flow freely, but supersolids blend these features into a singular, extraordinary form. This phenomenon not only broadens our comprehension of matter but also provides a gateway to exploring the quantum mechanics that underpin the universe.”

That final sentence is astonishing: “This phenomenon not only broadens our comprehension of matter but also provides a gateway to exploring the quantum mechanics that underpin the universe.” It’s been a long time since Einstein’s four papers changed the way we understand the universe. The next section in the Sustainability Times article explains the importance of the discovery. Beneath a subsection titled “How Scientists Turned Light Into a Supersolid—This Experiment Changes Everything”, we read the importance of this research: “Under the leadership of Dimitris Trypogeorgos and Daniele Sanvitto, researchers at the National Research Council in Italy achieved an incredible feat by converting light into a supersolid. Through meticulous control of laser light properties, they generated a dynamically structured material that retains fluid-like characteristics. This remarkable experiment demonstrates how ordered patterns can be established in fluid light, leading to the creation of a supersolid.

The foundation of this experiment lies in polaritons—hybrid particles of light and matter that emerge under intense confinement. By precisely adjusting interactions between polaritons, scientists succeeded in transforming light into a supersolid. This achievement not only confirms theoretical predictions but also highlights a practical pathway to create such materials. The successful conversion of light into a supersolid is a testament to the potential of non-traditional matter states and sets the stage for further exploration and innovation.”

The article in Sustainability Times then explains why this breakthrough in quantum physics could alter future technology: “The creation of light-based supersolids extends far beyond theoretical interest, holding profound implications for technology and science. As a medium to study quantum phenomena, supersolids open up new avenues for research into Bose-Einstein condensates and superfluidity, offering insights that are crucial for the advancement of quantum mechanics. The potential applications of these discoveries could redefine the landscape of technology and science.

Supersolids provide a new platform for developing stable quantum bits (qubits), enhancing quantum computing’s capabilities. They also pave the way for precise measurement tools and technologies, making them invaluable in fields like astrophysics and nanotechnology. By enabling the development of highly sensitive instruments, supersolids help measure phenomena that are currently beyond our reach. This discovery could be pivotal in creating new technologies that support precision sensing and measurement, further bridging the gap between theoretical physics and real-world applications.”

The article finishes with a question: “Could the continued study and development of supersolids lead us to an era of unprecedented technological advancement, impacting everything from computing to our fundamental understanding of the universe?” A fundamental understanding of the universe is the goal of every scientist. If this new research will further contribute to this goal, then it seems very worthwhile. There is nothing a decent scientist wants more than a fundamental understanding of the universe.