Building time crystals with quantum computers

Building time crystals with quantum computers

🎙 IBM Research 👥 120K 📅 July 21, 2026 ⏱ 45 min 👁 507 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

time crystalquantum computer2Dsubharmonic responseout-of-equilibrium

Summary

In this episode of The Coherence Times, host Ryan Mandelbaum interviews Dr. Eric Switzer and Dr. Nicolás Lorente about their recent work using IBM’s quantum computers to create and study a two-dimensional time crystal. The conversation begins with a simple explanation of what a time crystal is: a system of interacting particles that exhibits periodic motion in time, analogous to the spatial order of a conventional crystal. The researchers emphasize that time crystals require a periodic input of energy and exhibit a subharmonic response, meaning the system oscillates at a fraction of the driving frequency. They discuss the significance of studying out-of-equilibrium systems, which are more representative of real-world conditions than the equilibrium states typically studied in textbooks. The guests trace the history of time crystals from Frank Wilczek’s theoretical proposal to the first experimental demonstrations in one-dimensional systems. They explain how quantum computers provide a versatile platform for simulating these systems, allowing researchers to program interactions and driving protocols. The specific experiment involved arranging qubits in a two-dimensional checkerboard pattern and observing the persistence of the time-crystalline order. The researchers share their experience, noting initial challenges and the eventual success after improvements in the quantum hardware. They highlight the potential of time crystals as testbeds for studying quantum systems far from equilibrium, which could inform future quantum technologies.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The podcast provides valuable insights into the concept of time crystals and their realization on quantum computers. The hosts and guests effectively explain complex physics concepts in an accessible manner, using analogies like a lattice fence and a metronome. The argumentation is solid, grounded in the researchers’ direct experience and published results. They clearly articulate the scientific significance of studying out-of-equilibrium systems and the advantages of using quantum computers for such experiments. The discussion also addresses potential misconceptions, such as the idea that a simple on-off switch could create a time crystal, and clarifies the importance of many-body interactions and rigidity. Overall, the content is informative and well-reasoned, though it lacks detailed technical depth for experts.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The podcast maintains a high level of scientific rigor, with the guests being active researchers in the field. They reference specific prior work, such as the first experimental demonstrations by Chris Monroe’s and Mikhail Lukin’s groups, and mention the theoretical origins with Frank Wilczek. The description provides links to IBM Quantum Platform and the podcast page, which are relevant for further exploration. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on building time crystals with quantum computers. The discussion is consistent with established scientific knowledge, and the researchers are careful to distinguish between theoretical possibilities and experimental achievements. No significant discrepancies or unsupported claims were noted.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the construction and study of time crystals using quantum computers.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The podcast features two researchers directly involved in the study, providing credible expert insights. The discussion is grounded in published research and real experimental results, though it is presented in a conversational format without detailed methodological exposition.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

This podcast provides an accessible yet insightful overview of a recent research achievement: the creation of a two-dimensional time crystal on a quantum computer. It highlights the unique capabilities of quantum computers in simulating complex many-body systems and studying out-of-equilibrium dynamics. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the research process, including initial challenges and the importance of hardware improvements. It also contextualizes the work within the broader field of quantum simulation and condensed matter physics.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity, quality, and reliability, with a slightly lower technical level, reflecting the podcast's accessible yet expert-driven approach. The balanced profile indicates a well-rounded presentation suitable for a broad audience interested in quantum physics.

Reliability 8/10

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