In Borromean rings, each circle holds the pattern together by passing through the other two circles. Image: Alexandr Kakinen.

A peculiar protected structure links Viking knots with quantum vortices

Scientists have shown how three vortices can be linked in a way that prevents them from being dismantled. The structure of the links resembles a pattern used by Vikings and other ancient cultures, although this study focused on vortices in a special form of matter known as a Bose-Einstein condensate. The findings have implications for quantum computing, particle physics and other fields.

Conceptual render displaying the difference between a structured laser beam (magenta) and a two-photon quantum state of light being focused on a single mode fibre. Photo: Markus Hiekkamäki / Tampere University.

Quantum Light Reveals New Path for Precision Measurements

researchers at Tampere University discovered that quantum light behaves differently from classical light when focused, exhibiting an accelerated Gouy phase anomaly that not only contributes to the ongoing debate about fundamental optical phenomena but also promises enhanced precision in distance measurements.