Unusual state of matter made right into a pancake-shape for first time

A supersolid is an unique state of matter that behaves like each a stable and a fluid. It was first predicted 60 years in the past, however has solely not too long ago been created within the lab

A pancake-shaped supersolid

Researchers have made a pancake-shaped supersolid

Thomas Bland et al.

A pancake-shaped supersolid has been made for the primary time. This unique state of matter behaves as a stable, but additionally flows like a frictionless fluid. It was first theorised 60 years in the past, however was solely not too long ago created within the lab.

At temperatures a billionth of a level Celsius above absolute zero, atoms type unique phases of matter as a substitute of freezing into solids. Some ultracold metals change into excellent conductors of electrical energy. Ultracold supplies which are very magnetic can change into supersolids, by which atoms are …