For the first time in scientific history, an international team led by University of the Philippines physicist Dr. Jayson Cosme has experimentally observed the quantum phenomenon known as the “birth of a torus” – a fundamental topological transition that until now had only existed in theoretical models. This groundbreaking discovery, achieved using an innovative time crystal experiment, could revolutionize our understanding of quantum systems and lead to ultra-sensitive light detection technologies.
The research builds upon the team’s previous work that created the world’s first “continuous time crystal” in 2022. By trapping ultracold rubidium atoms between highly reflective mirrors and precisely controlling laser intensity, the physicists have now pushed quantum systems into uncharted territory. “When we increased the laser intensity beyond the time crystal phase, we witnessed the system’s behavior transform from predictable oscillations to complex dynamics requiring a torus-shaped representation in phase space,” explained Dr. Cosme, whose findings appear in Physical Review Letters.
This topological transition mirrors how classical systems like heartbeats evolve from regular rhythms (represented by simple loops) to irregular patterns (requiring torus shapes). The quantum version proved exceptionally difficult to capture due to time crystals’ sensitivity, but the team’s precision setup – using optical cavities to enhance light-matter interactions – provided the necessary control to observe the phenomenon.
Beyond its theoretical significance, the discovery opens practical applications in quantum sensing. “The sharp transition between loop and torus states near critical light intensities suggests these systems could serve as exquisitely sensitive photodetectors,” noted Dr. Cosme. The team is now investigating whether such quantum bifurcations can be predicted beforehand and exploring related phenomena like the Kibble-Zurek mechanism.
This achievement not only validates decades of quantum theory but demonstrates how tabletop experiments with cold atoms can tackle profound questions about nature’s fundamental workings – with Philippine researchers at the forefront of discovery. As quantum technologies advance, insights from this work may inform developments in quantum computing, precision measurement, and our understanding of phase transitions across physical systems.
The full study “Observation of Torus Birth Bifurcation in a Quantum Time Crystal” is available in Physical Review Letters (DOI: XXXXX). The research collaboration includes scientists from UP Diliman, Universität Hamburg, and Universität Ulm.
References:
Cosme, J. G., Kongkhambut, P., Bölian, A., Tuquero, R. J. L., Skulte, J., Mathey, L., Hemmerich, A., & Keßler, H. (2025). Torus bifurcation of a dissipative time crystal. Physical Review Letters, 134(22). https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.134.223601
