Chinese, Israeli, European researchers discover natural woven pattern inside crystals

JERUSALEM -- Researchers from China, Israel, Italy and the Netherlands have discovered a previously unknown woven structure that forms naturally inside a crystal, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said Thursday in a statement.

In their study, published in Nature's Light: Science & Applications, the researchers revealed a new way in which matter can organize itself, showing how complex structures can emerge naturally in solid materials.

The researchers observed a three-dimensional network of tiny components that weave over and under one another within a special type of crystal, creating a pattern similar to woven fabric.

They also found that parts of the woven structure could be modified with a focused laser beam and restored to new patterns by heating and cooling.

The discovery could help advance the development of new materials and technologies, according to the researchers, as they believe similar structures may exist in other systems, including quantum materials and superconductors.