A significant advancement in the field of physics has been reported with the development of a new type of time crystal that can be held in hand and levitates. Researchers from New York University have created this time crystal using styrofoam-like beads that float on a cushion of sound, enabling them to exchange sound waves while exhibiting unique motion patterns.
This recent study, published in Physical Review Letters, indicates that the time crystal not only challenges traditional Newtonian physics but also has both academic and practical implications. According to David G. Grier, the senior author of the study, the discovery is remarkable due to the complex behaviors arising from a relatively simple system.
The construction involves a six-inch-tall 3D-printed frame, where sound waves from circular speakers keep the beads suspended. While individual beads remain static, their behavior alters when multiple beads interact, demonstrating the fascinating properties of this new material.