A team of researchers at the University of Innsbruck has made significant strides in understanding the behavior of supersolids, a unique state of matter that combines the rigidity of a crystal with the frictionless flow of a superfluid. Their findings, published in Nature Physics on October 23, 2025, reveal how these exotic materials can synchronize their movements when subjected to rotation, offering new insights into quantum systems.
Led by physicist Francesca Ferlaino, the research focused on the interaction between the solid and superfluid characteristics of supersolids under a controlled magnetic field. The team rotated a supersolid quantum gas composed of ultracold atoms of dysprosium, cooled to near absolute zero, and observed a remarkable synchronization of quantum droplets within the supersolid.
In the experiments, the droplets formed a periodic arrangement resembling a crystal, all influenced by the surrounding superfluid. “Each droplet precesses following the rotation of the external magnetic field; they all revolve collectively,” Ferlaino explained. When vortices entered the system, the droplets began to rotate in unison, a phenomenon that surprised the research team.
Elena Poli, who led the theoretical modeling, noted, “What surprised us was that the supersolid crystal didn’t just rotate chaotically. Once quantum vortices formed, the whole structure fell into rhythm with the external magnetic field—like nature finding its own beat.” This synchronization is not merely a laboratory curiosity; it reflects a broader principle observed in nature, such as the synchronized ticking of pendulum clocks or the flashing of fireflies.
The research highlights the potential of synchronization as a tool for probing quantum matter. By monitoring these synchronized movements, the team was able to determine the critical frequency at which vortices appear, a fundamental property of rotating quantum fluids that has remained elusive until now. This breakthrough could pave the way for more precise measurements and a deeper understanding of quantum behavior.
The implications of this work extend beyond the laboratory. Similar vortex dynamics may be relevant in astrophysical contexts, such as the sudden “glitches” observed in neutron stars, some of the universe’s densest objects. Poli remarked, “Supersolids are a perfect playground to explore questions that are otherwise inaccessible. While these systems are created in micrometer-sized laboratory traps, their behavior may echo phenomena on cosmic scales.”
The success of this research is attributed to the collaboration between theoretical and experimental physicists, as well as the innovative approach taken by the young researchers involved. “This work was made possible by the close collaboration between theory and experiment—and the creativity of the young researchers on our team,” Ferlaino stated.
Overall, the synchronization of supersolids not only enhances our understanding of this peculiar state of matter but also opens new avenues for exploring quantum mechanics and the fundamental principles governing the universe. As research continues, the findings from Innsbruck could inform future studies in both condensed matter physics and cosmology.
