Scientists Unveil Handheld Levitating Time Crystals

NYU researchers observe a new type of time crystal that defies Newton's Third Law of Motion

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Researchers at New York University have discovered a new type of time crystal, a collection of particles that "tick" or move back and forth in repeating cycles. This new time crystal consists of styrofoam beads suspended in mid-air by sound waves, and the beads interact with each other by exchanging scattered sound waves in a way that defies Newton's Third Law of Motion. The researchers say this discovery expands the potential uses of time crystals for technology and industry, and also offers insights into biological clocks and circadian rhythms.

Why it matters

Time crystals hold great promise for advancing quantum computing and data storage, and this new type of time crystal that can be seen with the naked eye and held in one's hand represents a significant step forward in the field. Additionally, the nonreciprocal interactions observed in these time crystals provide new insights into how some biochemical networks in the body, like those involved in breaking down food, also operate in a nonreciprocal manner.

The details

The newly discovered time crystal consists of styrofoam beads suspended in mid-air by sound waves, which act as an "acoustic levitator" to hold the beads motionless. When the beads interact with each other, they do so by exchanging scattered sound waves. Larger particles scatter more sound than smaller particles, so a large particle will influence a small particle more than the small particle influences the large particle. This unbalanced interaction allows the beads to spontaneously oscillate while suspended, "counting off a rhythm" that balances the unusual forces they experience, defying Newton's Third Law of Motion.

  • The research was conducted in 2026.

The players

David Grier

Physics Professor and director of NYU's Center for Soft Matter Research, the senior author of the paper.

Mia Morrell

An NYU graduate student who co-authored the research.

Leela Elliott

An NYU undergraduate who co-authored the research.

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What they’re saying

“Time crystals are fascinating not only because of the possibilities, but also because they seem so exotic and complicated. Our system is remarkable because it's incredibly simple.”

— David Grier, Physics Professor and director of NYU's Center for Soft Matter Research (Mirage News)

“Sound waves exert forces on particles—just like waves on the surface of a pond can exert forces on a floating leaf. We can levitate objects against gravity by immersing them in a sound field called a standing wave.”

— Mia Morrell, NYU graduate student (Mirage News)

“Think of two ferries of different sizes approaching a dock. Each one makes water waves that pushes the other one around—but to different degrees, depending on their size.”

— Mia Morrell, NYU graduate student (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers plan to continue studying the properties and potential applications of this new type of time crystal, including how its nonreciprocal interactions could provide insights into biological processes.

The takeaway

This discovery of a handheld, levitating time crystal that defies Newton's Third Law represents a significant advancement in the field of time crystals, opening up new possibilities for quantum computing, data storage, and understanding of biological systems.