Scientists Create ‘Time Crystals’ That Exhibit Perpetual Motion at Quantum Level

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Scientists Create ‘Time Crystals’ That Exhibit Perpetual Motion at Quantum Level

By Chuvic - July 7, 2025

Imagine a structure that doesn’t just repeat in space, like the atoms in a diamond, but instead repeats itself in time. These are time crystals—exotic phases of matter that change and oscillate in a regular pattern, without consuming energy, seemingly defying the laws of physics as we know them.
First theorized by Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek in 2012, time crystals have fascinated scientists because they exhibit perpetual motion at the quantum level, challenging our deepest understanding of symmetry and stability in nature. They open a new chapter in the study of quantum phenomena.

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The Groundbreaking Discovery

Scientists Create ‘Time Crystals’ That Exhibit Perpetual Motion at Quantum Level — Norman Yao and his team of scientists collaborate on cutting-edge research inside the bustling UC Berkeley lab. | Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels

The concept of time crystals leaped from theory to reality when Norman Yao and his team at UC Berkeley announced their breakthrough in 2016. They devised a blueprint for creating these elusive structures, which was soon realized in the lab. In 2017, two independent research groups confirmed the existence of time crystals using different experimental platforms.
This remarkable achievement not only validated Wilczek’s bold idea but also marked the first time scientists had observed a phase of matter that repeats in time rather than space.

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A New Phase of Matter

Time crystals are not just a scientific novelty—they represent an entirely new phase of matter. Unlike solids, liquids, or gases, which are defined by how their atoms arrange in space, time crystals are defined by their dynamic, repeating patterns in time.
Their unique behavior emerges from the quantum world, where particles are governed by probabilities and uncertainties. This new phase challenges our classical understanding and expands the catalogue of known matter, inviting researchers to rethink how time and structure can coexist in the universe.

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How Do Time Crystals Work?

At the heart of a time crystal’s magic is its ability to maintain perpetual motion without expending energy. Unlike ordinary materials, which settle into stillness at their lowest energy state, time crystals continually oscillate, flipping back and forth in a regular rhythm.
This happens because of a phenomenon known as “periodic driving,” where external forces nudge the system, yet the crystal’s response is locked into a different, stable time pattern. It’s a quantum dance that seems to sidestep the usual rules of thermodynamics.

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Breaking Time-Translation Symmetry

In conventional physics, time-translation symmetry means that the laws of nature remain the same at any moment—nothing changes simply because time passes. Time crystals, however, break this symmetry. Their oscillating behavior means their state is not identical from one moment to the next, even in their lowest energy state.
This violation creates a repeating pattern in time, much like a crystal’s lattice repeats in space. By breaking time-translation symmetry, time crystals defy expectations and open new doors in quantum physics research.

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Perpetual Motion at the Quantum Scale

Time crystals appear to exhibit perpetual motion, but they don’t violate the laws of thermodynamics. Unlike mythical perpetual motion machines, which create energy from nothing, time crystals remain in constant, predictable motion within their quantum systems, yet do not generate usable work.
Their movement is a result of quantum mechanics, not energy input or loss. By oscillating endlessly without energy consumption, they reveal unique loopholes in how we understand motion, stability, and conservation laws at the quantum level.

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The Role of Quantum Mechanics

Time crystals could not exist without the strange rules of quantum mechanics. At the quantum level, particles can exist in multiple states at once, fluctuate unpredictably, and interact in ways that defy classical logic. Superposition and entanglement allow time crystals to maintain their repeating motion without outside energy.
These quantum effects stabilize the crystal’s time-based order, making it possible for the structure to persist indefinitely. Without the peculiarities of quantum mechanics, the remarkable behavior of time crystals would be impossible.

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Norman Yao and His Team

At the forefront of this scientific revolution is Norman Yao, a physicist at UC Berkeley, whose theoretical insights laid the groundwork for creating time crystals. Yao’s group collaborated with both experimentalists and theorists, bridging gaps between ideas and real-world experiments. Their teamwork was essential in transforming the concept into reality.
By designing ingenious protocols and guiding experimental efforts, Yao and his team catalyzed a wave of discoveries that pushed the boundaries of condensed matter physics and inspired researchers worldwide to explore this new quantum frontier.

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First Experimental Realizations

The first successful creation of time crystals occurred in 2017 through two pioneering experiments. One group used trapped ions, where atoms were suspended and manipulated with lasers to induce the desired time-repeating behavior. Simultaneously, another team worked with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, exploiting defects in the crystal lattice to observe similar effects.
Both experiments confirmed the theoretical predictions, providing dramatic proof that time crystals could exist in the lab. These early realizations showcased the versatility of time crystal formation across different quantum systems.

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Confirmation by Harvard Researchers

In 2017, a team of physicists at Harvard University independently verified the existence of time crystals, lending significant credibility to the discovery. Using ultra-cold atoms arranged in a lattice and exposed to periodic pulses, the Harvard experiment mirrored the predictions and outcomes seen at UC Berkeley and elsewhere.
Their results, published in a landmark study, demonstrated the universal nature of time crystals across different systems. This independent confirmation helped cement time crystals as a genuine new phase of matter, sparking further research worldwide.

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Potential Quantum Computing Applications

Time crystals may hold the key to a new era in quantum computing. Their remarkable ability to maintain stable, repeating quantum states could help overcome one of quantum computing’s biggest hurdles—decoherence, the loss of information in quantum bits (qubits).
By providing an environment where qubits can stay coherent for longer periods, time crystals might enable faster and more reliable quantum calculations. This opens exciting possibilities for building more robust quantum computers capable of solving complex problems that are far beyond the reach of classical machines.

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Implications for Fundamental Physics

The discovery of time crystals shakes the foundation of fundamental physics. By breaking time-translation symmetry and demonstrating perpetual motion at the quantum level, time crystals force scientists to rethink established principles.
Their existence suggests there are hidden phases of matter and previously unknown states lurking within the quantum world. This breakthrough not only challenges our understanding of time and symmetry but also opens up fresh research avenues, inspiring physicists to search for other exotic quantum phenomena that could redefine the rules of the universe.

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Comparison to Conventional Crystals

Ordinary crystals, like diamonds or salt, are defined by their spatial order—their atoms repeat in a fixed, regular pattern throughout space. Time crystals, by contrast, display temporal order: their structure repeats over time rather than in space.
While spatial crystals are static at their lowest energy state, time crystals are always in motion, cycling through states even at minimum energy. This fundamental difference highlights the unique nature of time crystals and underscores how they expand our concepts of order and symmetry in nature.

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Theoretical Predictions by Frank Wilczek

The journey of time crystals began with Frank Wilczek, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who first predicted their existence in 2012. Wilczek imagined a form of matter that could exhibit repeated motion in time, even in its ground state—a radical idea that seemed almost paradoxical.
His bold theoretical work inspired experimentalists to search for ways to realize time crystals in the lab. Although controversial at first, Wilczek’s prediction set the stage for one of the most fascinating discoveries in modern physics.

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Challenges in Creating Time Crystals

Bringing time crystals from theory to reality was far from straightforward. Scientists faced significant technical and theoretical hurdles, such as isolating quantum systems from environmental noise and designing precise periodic driving protocols.
Maintaining coherence in quantum states proved especially challenging, as the slightest disturbance could destroy the delicate temporal order. Researchers also had to develop new mathematical frameworks to describe these novel phases. Overcoming these obstacles required both innovation in experimental design and a deep understanding of quantum mechanics, making the achievement all the more impressive.

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Floquet Systems and Driven States

Many time crystals are created in what physicists call Floquet systems. These are quantum systems that are periodically driven by external forces, such as lasers or electromagnetic fields, in a rhythmic fashion.
This driven state allows the system to enter a repeating pattern in time, enabling the emergence of time-crystalline order. The Floquet approach is crucial because it stabilizes the oscillations, preventing them from fading away. Studying these driven systems has become a key strategy for scientists exploring the boundaries of quantum matter and time symmetry.

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Key Experiments: Ytterbium Ions

One of the most prominent experimental breakthroughs involved chains of ytterbium ions trapped and manipulated with lasers. Researchers arranged these ions in precise linear arrays, then applied periodic pulses to induce the desired quantum effects.
The ions exhibited stable, repeating oscillations—a clear signature of time-crystalline behavior. This experimental setup was especially valuable because it allowed scientists to finely control and observe the system, providing strong evidence for the existence of time crystals and deepening our understanding of their quantum dynamics.

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Time Crystals and Entanglement

Quantum entanglement plays a crucial role in the stability of time crystals. When particles become entangled, their states are intricately linked, no matter how far apart they are. This interconnectedness helps maintain the delicate oscillations that define a time crystal.
Entanglement prevents the system from drifting into disorder, allowing the periodic motion to persist even when exposed to small disturbances. By harnessing entanglement, time crystals achieve a level of robustness that sets them apart from other quantum systems—and may inspire new quantum technologies.

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Publications and Peer Review

The discovery and study of time crystals have been featured in top-tier scientific journals and news outlets. Peer-reviewed papers in Nature and Science have detailed the experimental breakthroughs and theoretical advances.
Major news organizations, including The New York Times, have covered these findings, underscoring their importance. This rigorous peer review and broad coverage have helped legitimize time crystals as a genuine scientific milestone and fueled widespread interest in their potential.

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Interest from Tech Companies

Tech giants have quickly recognized the potential of time crystals, especially in the realm of quantum computing. Companies like Google have already performed groundbreaking tests, using their advanced quantum processors to simulate time-crystal phenomena.
By harnessing programmable quantum bits, Google’s team observed time-crystalline behavior in their Sycamore quantum computer, marking a major step forward. This involvement by leading tech firms not only accelerates research but also hints at the transformative impact time crystals could have on future technologies and industries.

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Potential for Robust Quantum Memory

Time crystals may unlock the secret to robust quantum memory, a critical component for future quantum networks and computers. Their ability to remain stable and oscillate predictably—even amid environmental noise—makes them ideal candidates for long-lasting quantum information storage.
Unlike traditional quantum systems that quickly lose coherence, time crystals could preserve qubit states for much longer, drastically improving reliability. This resilience paves the way for developing quantum memories that are both durable and scalable, potentially revolutionizing secure communication and advanced computation.

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Ongoing Research and Future Directions

Research into time crystals is rapidly expanding, with laboratories worldwide exploring new ways to create, control, and utilize these exotic structures. Scientists are investigating how time crystals behave in different materials, under various conditions, and at larger scales.
There’s also a push to integrate time crystal technology into practical quantum devices, aiming to harness their unique properties for real-world applications. As techniques improve, time crystals could lead to breakthroughs in computation, communication, and fundamental physics, shaping the future of science and technology.

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Controversies and Skepticism

Despite the excitement, time crystals have sparked debate and skepticism within the scientific community. Some physicists question whether all observed phenomena truly qualify as time crystals, debating the precise definition and required conditions.
Others argue about the limitations of current experiments and whether the perpetual motion is genuinely intrinsic or a byproduct of external driving. These discussions are a healthy part of scientific progress, pushing researchers to refine their models, improve experiments, and clarify what constitutes a true time crystal in the quantum world.

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Educational Resources and Further Reading

For those eager to explore time crystals further, a wealth of resources is available to demystify this quantum phenomenon.

PBS Space Time: “What Are Time Crystals?”
Quanta Magazine: “Time Crystals Created in Lab”
Scientific American: “What Are Time Crystals?”

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The Significance of the Discovery

The creation of time crystals stands as a landmark achievement in modern physics. By revealing a new phase of matter and breaking time-translation symmetry, scientists have expanded our understanding of what is possible in the universe.
This discovery challenges deeply held assumptions, inspires new theories, and paves the way for transformative technologies. It demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and bold theoretical thinking, setting a precedent for future breakthroughs at the intersection of quantum mechanics, material science, and technology.

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Conclusion

Time crystals have shifted the landscape of physics, offering a glimpse into new realms of matter and motion that once seemed impossible. From their theoretical roots to experimental validation, they challenge our notions of time, symmetry, and quantum stability.
Their potential applications in quantum computing and memory signal a future where technology and fundamental science intertwine in unexpected ways. As research continues, time crystals remind us that the universe still holds remarkable surprises. Stay curious, and follow the unfolding story of these quantum marvels as it inspires the next generation of discovery.

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