Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Time crystals, a collection of particles that “tick”—or move back and forth in repeating cycles— were first theorized and then discovered about a decade ago. While scientists have yet to create commercial or industrial applications for this intriguing form of matter, these crystals hold great promise for advancing quantum computing and data storage, among other uses.
A team of New York University physics researchers has now observed a new type of time crystal—one whose particles levitate on a cushion of sound while interacting with each other by exchanging sound waves. In the process, these particles defy Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
For more on this story and other NYU research visit nyu.edu/news
Time crystals, a collection of particles that “tick”—or move back and forth in repeating cycles— were first theorized and then discovered about a decade ago. While scientists have yet to create commercial or industrial applications for this intriguing form of matter, these crystals hold great promise for advancing quantum computing and data storage, among other uses.
A team of New York University physics researchers has now observed a new type of time crystal—one whose particles levitate on a cushion of sound while interacting with each other by exchanging sound waves. In the process, these particles defy Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
For more on this story and other NYU research visit nyu.edu/news
