In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unveiled the world's first visible time crystals, potentially paving the way for their use in everyday items like $100 bills!

These remarkable time crystals form from the fascinating patterns created when light interacts with liquid crystals, akin to those used in LCD screens. Unlike earlier time crystals, which were only observable under extreme scientific conditions, these newly developed "psychedelic tiger stripes" can be seen with the naked eye, opening exciting new avenues for research and practical applications.

This incredible breakthrough was documented in the prestigious journal *Nature Materials* on September 4. Lead researcher Hanqing Zhao, from the University of Colorado Boulder, noted that these crystals are not only visible through a microscope but can also occasionally be seen without any tools at all!

The concept of time crystals was first proposed in 2012 by Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek. These unique structures consist of particles that cycle through time in a repetitive fashion, similar to how traditional crystals are structured in space. This cycle challenges our conventional understanding of symmetry in physics, which normally treats time and space as equal.

Time crystals redefine this symmetry by existing in a perpetual state, oscillating between two energy states without slowing down. While they might sound like perpetual motion machines, they actually obey the laws of thermodynamics, as their energy levels remain constant under photon influence.

For years, physicists studied invisible time crystals using various materials, including diamonds and quantum computers, but these new visible crystals are a game-changer. By trapping liquid crystals between two glass plates coated with special dye, the researchers created kinks in the liquid that mimic atomic behavior. "These twists cannot be easily undone, and they begin to interact like particles, making them truly unique," explained co-author Ivan Smalyukh.

Illuminating the glass plates prompted the dye to react, leading to a cascade of kinks appearing in the liquid crystals, whose movements remained consistent even with temperature fluctuations. "What we're seeing is a new world of time crystals emerging from simply shining a light," remarked Smalyukh.

The implications of this breakthrough extend far beyond fundamental physics. Researchers are exploring the potential for creating unique "time watermarks" that could enhance the security of currency, making it much harder for counterfeiters to replicate higher denomination bills. Imagine bills that feature intricate, dynamic patterns— the future of currency might just be illuminated!

Smalyukh expressed optimism about the technology's potential applications: "We're only scratching the surface of what this could lead to. The possibilities are endless!"