A quantum breakthrough makes light behave like both a solid and a liquid

AI Summary

Researchers observed a room-temperature quantum state in which light combines crystal-like structure with frictionless liquid-like flow. The finding may ease a practical barrier to quantum experiments and support future light-based computing and sensing technologies.

Scientists have observed a bizarre quantum state of matter that combines the structure of a crystal with the frictionless flow of a liquid, all at room temperature. The breakthrough overturns a major practical limitation of exotic quantum experiments and could help bring powerful new light-based computing and sensing technologies closer to reality.