I Explaining Time Crystals: Matter, Mass & 4D

Click For Summary
Time crystals are a new phase of matter that exhibit periodic motion in their ground state, unlike ordinary crystals that maintain a fixed symmetry in space. They are considered four-dimensional due to their oscillating properties over time, allowing particles to oscillate between states in a predictable manner. Resources like Wikipedia and articles from Physics World provide foundational information, although some users find these explanations challenging to grasp. The concept suggests that time crystals could potentially enhance precision in atomic clocks. Overall, time crystals represent a fascinating intersection of physics and time, sparking ongoing interest and research.
Quark Effect
Messages
9
Reaction score
4
Can someone simply explain to me what are the time crystals? What are they built from (matter, do they have mass)? I cannot find a clear explanation of them. I just know that ordinary crystals are 3d, time crystals - 4d.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Quark Effect said:
Can someone simply explain to me what are the time crystals?

I have no idea what "time crystals" are. Please give a reference.
 
  • Like
Likes Lord Crc
I saw that title couple days ago. And i started research what they are. I have found a paper in "Nature". That was helpfull. If you find your answer we can disguss. So i can learn anything. That topic is interesting
 
  • Like
Likes Quark Effect
@Quark Effect , interesting topic, from what I read I think the idea is that in an ordinary crystal you have a symmetry but it is fixed in time, watching after some time you still see the same symmetry and particles haven't changed their position, in a time crystal that is made of say 2 particles, they both oscillate, the oscillations have a time period much like any oscillation , so let's say you observe the particle being at it's highest point , then it falls down and goes up again, if you measure the time between up and down you can then come back any time in the future and predict where the particle will, be either up or down. you just have to count the intervals.

I guess this might be another way to make a precise "atomic" clock
 
  • Like
Likes Quark Effect