Time “Crystals” Found at the Quantum Level

Nano-scale oscillations challenge
evolutionary assumptions and reveal
embedded design

The Pulse of Creation
Time Crystals and the Blueprint of Quantum Order

by Dr. Sarah Buckland-Reynolds

From the orderly orbit of the planets to the finely tuned rhythm of our own internal circadian cycles, centuries of discoveries have confirmed that the universe operates within a framework of orderly and time-bound precision. While these systems have long been a source of wonder, new discoveries suggest that timely order is not confined to macro-scale interactions; rather, even nano-scale subatomic particles exhibit intrinsic, orderly and rhythmic oscillations, suggesting that temporal structure is an embedded feature within matter itself.

In a momentous breakthrough published in Physical Review Letters (September 2025), researchers Ruso and Pohl at TU Wien University uncovered that orderly patterns of particle movement exist at the quantum level. These “time crystals” oscillate without being acted upon by any known external driver, but “self-organize” in rhythmic behaviour, based on physical correlations between the particles themselves.

The discovery of these “time crystals” defies previous assumptions that quantum behaviour is chaotic with random noise. These observations therefore open significant questions on interpretations of order, origins, and design.

The Evolutionary View of Time and Rhythm

In evolutionary frameworks (whether cosmological, physical, or biological) time and rhythm are viewed as emergent properties, not fundamental features of the universe. Time is treated as only one dimension of a matter and space continuum that began with the Big Bang, unfolding as the universe expanded.

While the second law of thermodynamics introduced the concept of the “arrow of time” (systems naturally evolving from order to disorder), evolutionary models propose that order arises temporarily and locally, being directed from energy gradients and environmental conditions that allow systems to self-organize. In an evolutionary framework therefore, rhythm is not embedded in matter itself but emerges from repeating interactions shaped by environmental conditions.

For example, in biology, circadian rhythms and cellular clocks are seen as adaptive responses to external cues such as light and temperature. In physics and cosmology, rhythmic patterns of planets and pulsars are understood as consequences of gravitational forces, or thermal gradients. These rhythms are considered functional outcomes of natural processes from the interplay of chance, necessity and external conditions, rather than being programmed into the fabric of matter itself.

Despite this prevailing view, the discovery of time crystals contrasts with the evolutionary perspective. In quantum time crystals, rhythmic order arises internally without external drivers, challenging the assumption that time-based structure must be externally imposed.

Design in the Deepest Realms: A Contrast with Evolutionary Theory

While describing the phenomenon of time crystals, the authors unintentionally expose various philosophical and scientific implications relevant to questions of origins and design.

For instance, in attempting to explain their findings, the authors stated that:

 “…the emergence of a continuous time-crystal (CTC) phase in this setting is directly connected to the physics of dissipative quantum systems…”

Prague’s historic astronomical clock, by Andrea Piacquadio (from Pexels.com).

While the authors describe the link between the “physics of dissipative quantum systems” and the behaviours of time crystals, there remains a vagueness about the root cause of such “emergence”. While the authors use the term “emergence” to describe how complex order arises, the use of this term often bypasses the discussion of processes that would sufficiently explain the origin of this process.

Such discussions of origins in quantum level mechanics are highly relevant to theories of the initial conditions in early universe models. As time crystals challenge the assumption that quantum systems begin in static or equilibrium states, it may suggest that rhythmic, correlated motion could be embedded from the outset, even in the early universe. However, a cosmological evolutionary framework provides inadequate explanatory power as to why particles should be predisposed to organize themselves.

Notwithstanding, this research shows that quantum systems defy randomness and produce coherence – a coherence that is not imposed from outside but arises from within the system. Although standard quantum models often assume randomness or equilibrium, these findings reveal structured coherence that may require paradigm shifts in quantum theory overlooked in the description of this study’s findings.

Nuanced Behavior

Another major marker of design that has been revealed through this study is that the behaviour of these time crystals is extremely nuanced – not being accounted for by merely averaging the field effects. In the words of the authors:

“We identify a second type of qCTC that is not predicted by mean-field theory but instead is driven by correlations.” …Remarkably, one of them emerges only in the presence of correlations, upon accounting for beyond-mean-field effects… The found qCTC phases do not rely on symmetries of the underlying master equation and are robust to perturbations, both of which are essential aspects for potential experiments.”

As its name implies, “mean-field theory” approximates each system’s component via the average influence of its constituents—thereby erasing the subtle interactions that drive complex behavior.  Standard cosmological perturbation theory treats fluctuations linearly, akin to mean-field approximations that neglect correlations. However, as the authors note, “two distinct time-crystal phases … cannot be described within mean-field theory”. This failure signals greater complexity than standard quantum physics models account for: as something essential is lost when one merely relies on the single mean-field figure.

The simulations in this paper reveal that one of these two phases “emerges only in the presence of correlations, upon accounting for beyond-mean-field effects”. This implies that particle behaviour is not randomly homogenous, estimable by isolated averages but is linked in a finely tuned network. Ignoring any connection would produce inaccurate estimations for the oscillations as each link plays a critical role. The emergence of a qCTC phase driven by correlations underscores that higher-order interactions can qualitatively change outcomes. The further finding that these phases are “robust to perturbations” may suggest an in-built resilience.

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The Time-Keeper’s Signature

These discoveries in time crystals are yet one more example of modern science pointing us away from the concept of randomness and disorder, and toward the notion of design. Interestingly, these discoveries at the fine quantum scale, uncovers depth to the Scripture that declares “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Scripture has remained resonant with scientific observations, affirming that time is not random, rather, it is purposeful and governed by divine wisdom.

Rather than undermining faith, discoveries like time crystals deepen the case for intelligent design, as they reveal a universe where order is intrinsic. As Job was reminded, “Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” (Job 38:33). The more we uncover about quantum order, the more evident it becomes that God indeed upholds all things by His Word (Hebrews 1:3).

Reflecting on these findings further reminds us that creation down to the quantum level, appears to remain active, anticipating time. As Romans 8:22 states: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” As the pulse of creation “ticks” as its wait for redemption, may we continue to serve our Creator with an active hope of our own restoration.

Dr. Sarah Buckland-Reynolds is a Christian, Jamaican, Environmental Science researcher, and journal associate editor. She holds the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geography from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona with high commendation, and a postgraduate specialization in Geomatics at the Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia. The quality of her research activity in Environmental Science has been recognized by various awards including the 2024 Editor’s Award from the American Meteorological Society for her reviewing service in the Weather, Climate and Society Journal, the 2023 L’Oreal/UNESCO Women in Science Caribbean Award, the 2023 ICETEX International Experts Exchange Award for study in Colombia. and with her PhD research in drought management also being shortlisted in the top 10 globally for the 2023 Allianz Climate Risk Award by Munich Re Insurance, Germany. Motivated by her faith in God and zeal to positively influence society, Dr. Buckland-Reynolds is also the founder and Principal Director of Chosen to G.L.O.W. Ministries, a Jamaican charitable organization which seeks to amplify the Christian voice in the public sphere and equip more youths to know how to defend their faith.