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Preserved rotations in solids

Nature Physics – Quantum

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Researchers at Radboud University and HFML-FELIX observed coherent angular momentum transfer between distinct vibrational modes in crystal lattices, revealing hidden rotational dynamics within seemingly static solids. The study demonstrates ultrafast lattice rotation reversal, showing synchronized atomic motions can propagate rotational features through materials without external torque, challenging classical solid-state physics assumptions. Published in May 2026, the findings build on prior work by Minakova et al., linking nonlinear phenomena to angular momentum conservation in crystalline structures. Experiments used advanced ultrafast techniques to track angular momentum flow between phonon modes, suggesting new pathways for energy dissipation and material control at quantum scales. This discovery could enable novel solid-state devices exploiting rotational dynamics, with potential applications in quantum information storage and energy-efficient materials.

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Subjects Nonlinear phenomenaStructure of solids and liquids A seemingly still crystal is alive with synchronized atomic motions. Now, angular momentum has been observed flowing coherently between distinct lattice vibrational modes, revealing a hidden propagation of rotational features inside the crystal. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access through your institution Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription $32.99 / 30 days cancel any time Learn more Subscribe to this journal Receive 12 print issues and online access $259.00 per year only $21.58 per issue Learn more Rent or buy this article Prices vary by article type from$1.95 to$39.95 Learn more Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Fig. 1: Ultrafast reversal of lattice rotation.The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI. ReferencesMinakova, O. et al. Nat. Phys. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03274-8 (2026).Juraschek, D. M. et al. Nat. Phys. 21, 1532–1540 (2025).Article Google Scholar Zhang, L. & Niu, Q. Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 085503 (2014).Article ADS Google Scholar Xia, Y. et al. Nat. Phys. 5, 398–402 (2009).Article Google Scholar Juraschek, D. M. & Maehrlein, S. F. Phys. Rev. B 97, 174302 (2018).Article ADS Google Scholar Tauchert, S. R. et al. Nature 602, 73–77 (2022).Article ADS Google Scholar Luo, J. et al. Science 382, 698–702 (2023).Article ADS Google Scholar Davies, C. S. et al. Nature 564, 540–544 (2024).Article ADS Google Scholar Download referencesAuthor informationAuthors and AffiliationsHFML-FELIX, Nijmegen, The NetherlandsC. S. Davies & A. KirilyukRadboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Nijmegen, The NetherlandsC. S. Davies & A. KirilyukAuthorsC. S. DaviesView author publicationsSearch author on:PubMed Google ScholarA. KirilyukView author publicationsSearch author on:PubMed Google ScholarCorresponding authorCorrespondence to C. S. Davies.Ethics declarations Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Rights and permissionsReprints and permissionsAbout this articleCite this articleDavies, C.S., Kirilyuk, A. Preserved rotations in solids. Nat. Phys. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03248-wDownload citationPublished: 12 May 2026Version of record: 12 May 2026DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03248-wShare this articleAnyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:Get shareable linkSorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.Copy shareable link to clipboard Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative Observation of angular momentum transfer among crystal lattice modes Olga MinakovaCarolina PaivaSebastian F.

Maehrlein Nature Physics Article Open Access 12 May 2026

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