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Self-Running Quantum Clocks ⚡ экспресс

Original: "Spin-Induced Non-Markovian Time-Crystal-Like Dynamics and Fractal Scaling in the Bateman Dual Oscillator"
· Partha Nandi, Giuseppe Vitiello
arXiv:2605.19917 · 2026-05-19 · CC BY · ⏱ 1 min · Quantum Physics HEP Theory Physics and Society
Physicists have discovered: rhythm can live forever in a pair of quantum particles without external intervention.
Abstract

The study demonstrates the possibility of stable time-crystal-like dynamics in a closed quantum system without external driving. Using a Bateman dual-oscillator model, a (2+1)-dimensional system is considered, where spin-induced spatial deformation creates an effective structure of two coupled oscillators. Quantization leads to a Hermitian Hamiltonian that coherently links the decaying and amplifying sectors while preserving total energy. After tracing out the amplifying sector, non-Markovian reduced dynamics emerge for the observable subsystem. Memory effects sustain undamped oscillations of observables and establish temporal ordering without external periodic fields or spontaneous symmetry breaking. The mechanism circumvents standard no-go theorems for equilibrium time crystals. Additionally, logarithmic spiral trajectories and self-similar fractal scaling are uncovered, linking coherent dissipative dynamics to the emergence of temporal order.

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Two quantum particles are linked by an invisible thread: one loses energy, the other gains it, but the total remains unchanged. If you watch only the first, its oscillations don't fade — the rhythm is steady, like that of a cosmic pulsar, even though it seems that entropy and chaos are increasing. Actually, the second particle secretly restores order — like a partner on a swing whose subtle motion keeps yours going. This creates something akin to time crystals — an idea proposed by Frank Wilczek: cyclical change without external push.

The energy of the whole is constant, but a part seems to lose strength. The deception lies in short-sighted observation.

Surprise: spiral patterns emerge in the trajectories — like tree branches or river bends; nature reuses a proven trick. Such "internal clocks" may one day enable super-stable devices and store information directly in the rhythm of oscillations, like in musical notes.

🎯 Frank Wilczek, who coined 'time crystal,' envisioned matter that moves even in its lowest-energy state — like a perpetual motion machine, but without breaking any laws.

Scientists
Jacob BekensteinStephen HawkingLudwig BoltzmannEdward WittenJuan MaldacenaGerard 't Hooft
Tags
entropy pulsar
Laws
second law of thermodynamicsBekenstein-Hawking entropyBoltzmann distributionfirst law of thermodynamicsAdS/CFT correspondenceholographic principle
Original: arXiv:2605.19917 · CC BY · bridge42worlds