Many-body–localized discrete time crystal with a programmable spin-based quantum simulator

Abstract

Establishing order, time after time The formation of discrete time crystals, a novel phase of matter, has been proposed for some many-body quantum systems under periodic driving conditions. Randall et al . used an array of nuclear spins surrounding a nitrogen vacancy center in diamond as their many-body quantum system. Subjecting the system to a series of periodic driving pulses, they observed ordering of the spins occurring at twice the driving frequency, a signature that they claim establishes the formation of a discrete time crystal. Such dynamic control is expected to be useful for manipulating quantum systems and implementing quantum information protocols. —ISO