'Solid' light could compute previously unsolvable problems

[n2doc]

Researchers at Princeton University have begun crystallizing light as part of an effort to answer fundamental questions about the physics of matter.

The researchers are not shining light through crystal -- they are transforming light into crystal. As part of an effort to develop exotic materials such as room-temperature superconductors, the researchers have locked together photons, the basic element of light, so that they become fixed in place.

"It's something that we have never seen before," said Andrew Houck, an associate professor of electrical engineering and one of the researchers. "This is a new behavior for light."

The results raise intriguing possibilities for a variety of future materials. But the researchers also intend to use the method to address questions about the fundamental study of matter, a field called condensed matter physics.

"We are interested in exploring -- and ultimately controlling and directing -- the flow of energy at the atomic level," said Hakan Türeci, an assistant professor of electrical engineering and a member of the research team. "The goal is to better understand current materials and processes and to evaluate materials that we cannot yet create."

more

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140909130810.htm

[think]

1. Truly an interesting read. TY /nt

[dickthegrouch]

2. Fascinating

You find such interesting things for us to read, n2doc, Thank you.

I have always wondered how to "freeze" it into a solid since it demonstrates both wave and particle properties. And what might happen to the wave if the particles are solidified.

Does the power of a laser to cut come from the wave effect or a stream of particles?