Light Becomes Supersolid: Science Hits a Home Run
They began by shining a laser beam on a photonic crystal — a structure made of dielectric material such as PVC with a periodic arrangement of pores.MILAN — On March 11, 2025, Italian scientists achieved a milestone by turning light into a supersolid, an uncommon state of matter. The team, led by the National Research Council (CNR), achieved the feat in Milan using lasers -- and a semiconductor. They hope to open new tech frontiers with this quantum physics victory.
A First for Light
The experiment is the first time light has turned into a supersolid. A supersolid adds the organization of a solid to the flow of a superfluid. Normally, it requires super-cold atoms, but these scientists used light instead. They blasted aluminum gallium arsenide with a laser and got the polaritons—half-light, half-matter particles—to freeze into this bizarre state.
This isn’t just some random lab trick. Supersolids have mystified scientists since the 1960s. Others, like helium in 2004, took temps close to absolute zero — which is -459°F for real — but the Milan team used room temp to do their thing. That’s a massive jump, enabling it to study and work with more.
How It Happened
Here’s the way it went down: The team engraved tiny ridges into the semiconductor. These formed a grid-like structure that trapped the polaritons. Then the laser’s light brought them into sync with each other, creating a supersolid. It’s solid but flows without friction — a quantum oddity.
“We have transformed light into a structured flowing state,” said Dimitris Trypogeorgos, the lead researcher at CNR Nanotec. “This creates new opportunities in photonics.” Photonics, the science of light tech, might experience large gains. Consider more powerful computers, or clearer sensors.
The setup didn’t require fancy cooling systems. That’s key. Old approaches were expensive and difficult to scale. Success at room temperature means this could go to the real world faster.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This is a seismic advancement in quantum science. Roughly 40 percent of the world’s tech is dependent on light-based systems — fiber optics, lasers, you name it. That’s a supersolid made out of light, which could amp that up. It may result in better optical circuits or quantum computers that don’t freeze.
Context helps here. On quantum tech spending in 2023 globally, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium has said, “exceeded $1 billion.” It could reach $9 billion by 2030. This finding may add to that boom. This is not a theoretical proposition — it is practical, hands-on progress.
Still, it’s early days. The team used a lab-grade semiconductor, not one that’s available in stores. The next goal is to scale it for everyday use. But the potential? Sky-high.
What’s Next?
The team in Milan is planning additional tests. They want to adjust the supersolid’s properties — perhaps make it more stable or deformable. If they get it right, sectors such as telecom and computing may join these efforts. You will hear how you can make the internet multiple times faster than today’s.
Approval isn’t a problem in this case — no government red tape, as with satellite deals. It’s pure science in high gear. The team is already looking to partner with tech companies. For now, they’re igniting a spark in the quantum realm. Where it goes from here will depend on what happens next.