In Greek mythology, Queen Pasiphae of Crete gave birth to the Minotaur, a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, after mating with a divine bull. To contain the Minotaur, the famous architect Daedalus built an intricate labyrinth designed to confuse and trap anyone who entered.
Inspired by these ancient mazes, physicists at the University of Bristol, led by Dr. Felix Flicker, have created complex Hamiltonian cycles based on chess rules. These cycles describe quasicrystals, exotic matter with unique atomic arrangements that are difficult to visualize. The physicists’ mazes have the potential to address various global challenges, from simplifying carbon capture to improving fertilizer production processes.
The mazes are generated from Knight’s tours in chess, where the knight moves in an L-shape to visit every square on the board exactly once. By expanding on this concept, the researchers have developed an infinite number of Hamiltonian cycles that navigate through quasicrystals, resembling intricate fractal mazes with self-similar patterns.
Quasicrystals, unlike regular crystals, have complex atomic structures that make them ideal for adsorption applications. These unique properties could enhance processes like carbon capture and storage, crucial for combating climate change. Additionally, quasicrystals may serve as efficient catalysts, reducing the energy needed for chemical reactions such as the production of ammonia fertilizer.
The physicists’ work has implications beyond theoretical research, with practical applications in scanning tunneling microscopy and industrial catalysis. By developing precise paths through quasicrystals, the researchers aim to streamline imaging techniques and optimize adsorption processes for environmental and industrial benefits.
Overall, the creation of these complex chess-inspired mazes opens up new possibilities for addressing pressing global issues and advancing scientific understanding of exotic materials like quasicrystals. Through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration, researchers continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and explore the potential of unconventional solutions to complex problems.
