this post was submitted on 18 Oct 2023
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Researchers studying photonic crystals say they have successfully created a form of pseudogravity that bends light just like real gravity. The new technique could have a dramatic effect on advanced communication technologies like 6G, as well as other applications in optics and materials science that could benefit from a no-contact method of manipulating light.

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[–] Varyk@sh.itjust.works 33 points 2 years ago (3 children)

So this is complex refraction, not any form of gravity?

[–] subignition@kbin.social 31 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Crystals With No Relation To Gravity Whatsoever Produce A Similar Effect To One Of The Things Gravity Does (They Bend Light) doesn't roll off the tongue

[–] Varyk@sh.itjust.works 22 points 2 years ago

I would gladly accept the extended headline in place of such an asinine misguidance.

Thank you. I did say that out loud and it was very funny.

[–] ubermeisters@lemmy.world 8 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That sure what it sounds like to me, but the science is way above me

[–] AA5B@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Consider eyeglasses. I have very thick glasses that help me focus by using lenses with different refraction than surrounding air to bend the light. Do I use pseudo-gravity to see?

Then most of the article is about really cool functionality described similar to some electronics basic operations that could potentially grow into logic gates or switches, which would be very cool, and still has nothing to do with gravity.

[–] ubermeisters@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago

Refraction=/=gravity

Hard agree

[–] BloodSlut@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

And "without contact"?

I dont know, but i think light has to pass through something for refraction to actually mean anything

[–] Varyk@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)