Scientists at Aalto University, University of Eastern Finland, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and Harbin Engineering University have designed photonic time crystals that exponentially amplify light.

In time crystals, the properties of light change over time, not just in space like with traditional crystals. Time crystals have a pattern that repeats over and over, but instead of repeating in space, this pattern repeats in time. Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek introduced the concept of time crystals in 2012, and following experiments have succeeded in building time crystals.

In photonic time crystals, light can get stuck and amplified in special zones where light pauses while its intensity grows exponentially over time.

These special zones work like a medium that switches between air and water quadrillions of times per second.

The scientists describe the methods and results of this study in a paper published in Nature Photonics.

Previously, Aalto University scientists had developed time crystals that worked with microwaves. However, making time crystals for visible light is hard. But working with theoretical models and electromagnetic simulations, the scientists have concluded that using an array of tiny silicon spheres would permit overcoming the challenges.

In a press release issued by Aalto University, Viktar Asadchy explains that this research could lead to the actual creation of photonic time crystals in the lab, which could change how we use light in different technologies.

Applications to nanosensing for environmental monitoring and medicine

Photonic time crystals could be used in making sensors that detect very small things like viruses, pollutants, or cancer markers. When these tiny targets emit light, the crystal can catch that light and make it stronger, helping us see or measure these particles more easily.

“This work could lead to the first experimental realization of photonic time crystals, propelling them into practical applications and potentially transforming industries,” says Asadchy.

“From high-efficiency light amplifiers and advanced sensors to innovative laser technologies, this research challenges the boundaries of how we can control the light-matter interaction,” he adds.

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