Link: http://www.popularmechanics.co...24957/time-crystals/

Crystals are structures in which a pattern of atoms or molecules repeats in space. Now, two teams of researchers have figured out that crystals' repeating patterns can also exist through time. These "time crystals," detailed in a new paper in Physical Review Letter, are an entirely new kind of matter, one that can never reach equilibrium.

To create the time crystals, researchers at University of Maryland hooked together 10 ytterbium atoms and hit them with two lasers multiple times to keep them out of equilibrium. Though the atoms did settle into a pattern, they could not reach equilibrium, meaning that the crystals perpetually remain in motion, though they don't contain any energy. Almost all of physics is based in studying matter that is at equilibrium, so the ability to create these non-equilibrium crystals is a huge deal for the future of physics.

The researchers say that time crystals resemble Jell-O. When you tap Jell-O, it jiggles. The only difference is that the crystals are jiggling without using any energy, without any tap. By definition, time crystals can never stop oscillating, no matter how little energy they contain.

Right now, it's unclear what the practical use of this discovery will be, but it's possible that these crystals could serve a function in quantum computers.

Does this mean Timecube is real?

^^^^^^
WTF?

quote:

Originally posted by Sigfest:
^^^^^^
WTF?

WTF to the time crystals, or WTF to TimeCube?

If you're not familiar with TimeCube, you had better get to studying. I'm pretty sure basic familiarity with its concepts is one of the prerequisites listed in the waiver.

-Rob

I guess I better get studying. Never heard of TimeCube. It hurts my head.

Meh.

I've known about 'em for years!

If you dont do it right, you get synthetic rock candy.

Don't contain any energy yet are moving?

What?

quote:

Originally posted by Sigfest:
I guess I better get studying. Never heard of TimeCube. It hurts my head.

You've been here since 2004 and don't know TimeCube? I'm sorry but I'm going to have to put a red mark in your book.

quote:

The dilithium crystals are discharging.

In my best Scotty impersonation.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:

quote:

Originally posted by Sigfest:
I guess I better get studying. Never heard of TimeCube. It hurts my head.

You've been here since 2004 and don't know TimeCube? I'm sorry but I'm going to have to put a red mark in your book.

Errybody luv TimeCube

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:

quote:

Originally posted by Sigfest:
I guess I better get studying. Never heard of TimeCube. It hurts my head.

You've been here since 2004 and don't know TimeCube? I'm sorry but I'm going to have to put a red mark in your book.

Errybody luv TimeCube

Bettah reconnize!

Seriously, I always like hearing news that brings scifi into the real world. Even when no one knows what it means yet.

quote:

Originally posted by Protein anchor:
Don't contain any energy yet are moving?

Do not contain any energy or do not contain any energy they are able to measure? Kind of like the DNA that was "junk DNA" because the scientists didn't know what it's function was?

TimeCube is far out dude!!

Dr Who beat them again.

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:

Right now, it's unclear what the practical use of this discovery will be

Time travel. Duh.

Cant stop moving yet no energy used/measured, perhaps endless energy. This may explain the nagging from the mouth of my ex.

Looks like I am going to have to trade in the way back machine.

I saw this thread title & immediately thought of the Sleestacks Crystals !!