--While these systems have long been a source of wonder, new discoveries suggest that timely order is not confined to macro-scale interactions; rather, even nano-scale subatomic particles exhibit intrinsic, orderly and rhythmic oscillations, suggesting that temporal structure is an embedded feature within matter itself.
In a momentous breakthrough published in Physical Review Letters
The discovery of these “time crystals” defies previous assumptions that quantum behavior is chaotic with random noise. These observations therefore open significant questions on interpretations of order, origins, and design.
The Evolutionary View of Time and Rhythm
In evolutionary frameworks (whether cosmological, physical, or
While the second law of thermodynamics introduced the concept of the “arrow of time” (systems naturally evolving from order to disorder), evolutionary models propose that order arises temporarily and locally, being directed from energy gradients and environmental conditions that allow systems to self-organize. In an evolutionary framework therefore, rhythm is not embedded in matter itself but emerges from repeating interactions shaped by environmental conditions.
Despite this prevailing view, the discovery of time crystals contrasts with the evolutionary perspective. In quantum time crystals, rhythmic order arises internally without external drivers, challenging the assumption that time-based structure must be externally imposed.
Design in the Deepest Realms: A Contrast with Evolutionary Theory
While describing the phenomenon of time crystals, the authors unintentionally expose various philosophical and scientific implications relevant to questions of origins and design.For instance, in attempting to explain their findings, the authors stated that:
“…the emergence of a continuous time-crystal (CTC) phase in this setting is directly connected to the physics of dissipative quantum systems…”
While the authors describe the link between the “physics ofdissipative quantum systems” and the behaviors of time crystals, there remains a vagueness about the root cause of such “emergence”. While the authors use the term “emergence” to describe how complex order arises, the use of this term often bypasses the discussion of processes that would sufficiently explain the origin of this process.
* As time crystals challenge the assumption that quantum systems begin in static or equilibrium states, it may suggest that rhythmic, correlated motion could be embedded from the outset, even in the early universe. However, a cosmological evolutionary framework provides inadequate explanatory power as to why particles should be predisposed to organize themselves.
Notwithstanding, this research shows that quantum systems defy randomness and produce coherence – a coherence that is not imposed from outside but arises from within the system.
Another major marker of design that has been revealed through this study is that the behavior of these time crystals is extremely nuanced – not being accounted for by merely averaging the field effects. In the words of the authors:
“We identify a second type of qCTC that is not predicted by mean-field theory but instead is driven by correlations.” …Remarkably, one of them emerges only in the presence of correlations, upon accounting for beyond-mean-field effects… The found qCTC phases do not rely on symmetries of the underlying master equation and are robust to perturbations, both of which are essential aspects for potential experiments.”
As its name implies, “mean-field theory” approximates each system’s component via the average influence of its constituents—thereby erasing the subtle interactions that drive complex behavior. Standard cosmological perturbation theory treats fluctuations linearly, akin to mean-field approximations that neglect correlations. However, as the authors note, “two distinct time-crystal phases … cannot be described within mean-field theory”. This failure signals greater complexity than standard quantum physics models account for: as something essential is lost when one merely relies on the single mean-field figure.
The simulations in this paper reveal that one of these two phases “emerges only in the presence of correlations, upon accounting for beyond-mean-field effects”. This implies that particle behavior is not randomly homogenous, estimable by isolated averages but is linked in a finely tuned network. Ignoring any connection would produce inaccurate estimations for the oscillations as each link plays a critical role. The emergence of a qCTC phase driven by correlations underscores that higher-order interactions can qualitatively change outcomes. The further finding that these phases are “robust to perturbations” may suggest an in-built resilience.
These discoveries in time crystals are yet one more example of modern science pointing us away from the concept of randomness and disorder, and toward the notion of design.
--Interestingly, these discoveries at the fine quantum scale, uncovers depth to the Scripture that declares “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Scripture has remained resonant with scientific observations, affirming that time is not random, rather, it is purposeful and governed by divine wisdom.
Rather than undermining faith, discoveries like time crystals deepen the case for intelligent design, as they reveal a universe where order is intrinsic. As Job was reminded, “Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” (Job 38:33)."
CEH/Dr. Sarah Buckland-Reynolds
