Physicists at the University of Warsaw have observed a bizarre quantum state of matter—a supersolid that combines the rigid lattice structure of a crystal with the frictionless flow of a superfluid—operating at room temperature. Using electrically tunable liquid crystal microcavities, the team generated exciton-polariton condensates that can be dynamically controlled by applying an external voltage. Eliminating the need for near-absolute-zero cooling overcomes a major engineering barrier and brings practical optical computing, ultra-sensitive sensors, and quantum photonic devices closer to reality.
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