Physicists from the UK and Switzerland have created a fiendishly difficult maze inspired by fractal geometry and chess. They generated complex fractal mazes using Hamiltonian cycles and Ammann-Beenker tilings, which describe an exotic form of matter known as quasicrystals. Quasicrystals are materials with patterns that do not repeat perfectly, similar to aperiodic tilings. The generated cycles can be scaled infinitely, creating a fractal pattern. This research not only has implications for mathematics, but also for applications such as complex route finding systems, protein folding, and carbon capture through adsorption using quasicrystals instead of crystals.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicists create complex fractal mazes inspired by chess | Application of principles from chess and fractal geometry | More advanced mathematical mazes and applications in various fields | Curiosity and desire to solve complex mathematical problems |
| Complex fractal mazes describe quasicrystals | Understanding the atomic pattern of quasicrystals through Hamiltonian cycles | Improved understanding and applications of quasicrystals | Advancements in materials science and engineering |
| Quasicrystals may be better than crystals for some applications | Potential for using quasicrystals for adsorption processes | Increased use of quasicrystals in industrial applications | Improved efficiency and effectiveness in industrial processes |