Computer that could outlive the universe is a step closer

摘要

A "time crystal" that can continue to work as a computer even after the heat death of the universe is a step closer to reality. Crystals are three-dimensional objects whose atoms are arranged in regular, repeating patterns. They adopt this structure because it needs the lowest amount of energy possible to maintain. Earlier this year, Frank Wilczek at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced the idea of a time crystal. In such a crystal the atoms would rotate and return to their original location - repeating in time as well as space. Crucially they would have to be in their lowest energy state as they do so, meaning that they would continue to rotate even after the universe has cooled to a uniform temperature - a state known as heat death (iVevv Scientist, 18 January, p 6).