The light turned into a superfluid liquid

The effect of superfluidity occurs when the accumulation of particles or atoms (relating to bosons) are cooled to near absolute zero.

Physics of the Italian research Institute CNR NANOTEC turned the light analogue of the quantum liquid, using electrons from organic molecules. A new form of matter is able to “wrap around” obstacles, not creating a slow down of the ripples. Article scientists published in the journal Nature Physics.

The effect of superfluidity occurs when the accumulation of particles or atoms (relating to bosons) are cooled to near absolute zero. As bosons, unlike fermions, can occupy the same quantum state, they all reach the lowest possible energy level. Thermal movement is stopped, however, begin to show quantum effects. As a result, the atoms begin to “flow” without friction, moving through narrow cracks and capillaries. Such a substance is called quantum liquid.

Scientists have shown that form of matter with similar properties, you can create at room temperature by using polaritons — quasiparticles arising from the interaction of photons with the particles oscillating in any environment. Polaritons, thus, represent a wave consisting of two components — electromagnetic oscillations and excitations of the environment.

In the experiment, we used ultrathin film of organic molecules, which was placed between two mirrors with very high reflectance. Scientists launched the device, photons which fall into the mirror trap and the hard “hook” for the molecules, giving rise, according to the physicists, hybrid liquid consisting of light and matter. The latter may flow freely, not slowing down when meeting with an obstacle, since it does not occur by turbulent vortices.

According to the researchers, their results show that a superfluid substance can be obtained without resorting to strong cooling. This will create the device based on photon superioty in which friction and associated heat losses will be minimized.

paradox