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arXiv:2509.21248 · Nature Communications

Observation of discrete time quasicrystal in Rydberg atomic gases

Dong-Yang Zhu, Zheng-Yuan Zhang, Qi-Feng Wang, Yu Ma, Tianyu Han, Chao Yu, qiaoqiao fang, Shi-Yao Shao, Qing Li, Ya-Jun 雅君 Wang 王, Jun Zhang, Han-Chao Chen, Xin Liu, Jia-Dou Nan, Yi-Ming Yin, Li-Hua Zhang, Guang‐Can Guo, Bang Liu, Dong-Sheng Ding, Bao-Sen Shi

Published Jul 29, 2026• 1 citation
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Abstract

Discrete time quasicrystals (DTQC) constitute a class of non-equilibrium matter characterized by temporal order without strict periodicity, in contrast to conventional time crystals. Investigating these phenomena is essential for expanding our fundamental understanding of far-from-equilibrium quantum matter and spontaneous symmetry breaking beyond periodic regimes. Here, we experimentally observe a DTQC in a driven-dissipative ensemble of strongly interacting Rydberg atoms, displaying non-equilibrium dynamical response with a different finite Abelian group symmetry $${{\mathbb{Z}}}_{m}\times {{\mathbb{Z}}}_{n}$$. By applying a quasiperiodic drive using a dual-frequency drive with incommensurate frequencies, we demonstrate that the system exhibits a robust subharmonic response at multiple incommensurate frequencies, signifying the emergence of a DTQC phase. We map the full phase diagram of the system, which includes the DTQC phase, and demonstrate its rigidity against perturbations in both RF field intensity and laser detuning. Moreover, we observe a cyclic group symmetry effect that constrains the construction of $${{\mathbb{Z}}}_{2}\times {{\mathbb{Z}}}_{3}$$-symmetric DTQC. This work establishes a versatile platform for studying non-equilibrium phases of matter and provides insights into the dynamics of time-translation symmetry breaking in quantum many-body systems. Time-crystal phases have raised both theoretical and experimental interest across various platforms. Here, the authors report the observation of a discrete time-quasicrystal in a driven-dissipative ensemble of interacting Rydberg atoms, advancing the understanding of symmetry breaking in these systems.

DOI
10.1038/s41467-026-75966-x

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Higher-order and fractional discrete time crystals (DTCs) are exotic phases of matter where the discrete time translation symmetry is broken into higher-order and non-integer category. Generation of these unique DTCs has been widely studied theoretically in different systems. However, no current experimental methods can probe these higher-order and fractional DTCs in any quantum many-body systems. We demonstrate an experimental approach to observe higher-order and fractional DTCs in Floquet-driven Rydberg atomic gases. We have discovered multiple n-DTCs with integer values of n = 2, 3, and 4, and others ranging up to 14, along with fractional n-DTCs with n values beyond the integers. The system response can transition between adjacent integer DTCs, during which the fractional DTCs are investigated. Study of higher-order and fractional DTCs expands fundamental knowledge of non-equilibrium dynamics and is promising for discovery of more complex temporal symmetries beyond the single discrete time translation symmetry. Discrete-time crystal (DTC) is a special phase of matter that exhibits a spontaneous breaking of the discrete time translational symmetry. Here, Bang Liu et al. demonstrate an experimental approach to observe higher-order and fractional DTCs in Floquet-driven Rydberg atomic gases.