
From My Hundred-Year Nap to Your Ten-Minute Read
Oh, my darling prince, you with the heroic hair and the enthusiasm of a puppy chasing its own tail. Let’s take a delightful stroll down memory lane, shall we? Remember that charming curse that put me out of commission for a century? Yes, I’m sure you do, even though I was the one snoozing while you were out slaying metaphorical dragons (or was it just your sense of purpose?).
Now, that accursed nap wasn’t just a beauty sleep to rival all beauty sleeps—it was a metaphor for the kind of stagnation our dear society excels at. While I was immobilized by a wicked spell, the world outside seemed equally immobilized by its own outdated ideals. And just as you bravely stumbled through those thorny briars to awaken me (was there a GPS involved, I wonder?), I’ve emerged with a newfound obsession: time crystals. These marvelous little constructs defy the traditional rules of time, much like how I’ve decided to defy traditional roles.
Let me explain. Time crystals, proposed by the genius Frank Wilczek in 2012 (yes, he’s a bit of a brainy hero himself), are a new phase of matter that repeat in time, not just in space. Imagine a perpetually swinging pendulum in a grandfather clock that never winds down, forever mocking your regular, predictable clocks. Unlike my hundred-year slumber, time crystals are in a constant state of motion, even in their lowest energy state. They’re the rebellious teenagers of the quantum world, forever shaking things up without the need for a caffeine fix.
While you were off being gallant and princely, scientists were breaking their heads over classical physics, which stubbornly insisted that time crystals couldn’t exist. But then quantum mechanics came along, much like a kindly fairy softening my curse, and voilà! Time crystals were not only possible but a tantalizing reality. They exist in a state of perpetual motion, challenging the very foundations of our apprehension of time. It’s as if they’ve taken a cue from my tale and decided that conventional timelines are simply too passé.
You see, time crystals aren’t just a whimsical concept—they’re grounded in rigorous science. The work of researchers, which we shall soon untangle, provided experimental proof, showing that time crystals can indeed exist in a lab. It’s like finding out that fairy tales can happen in real life, only with more lab coats and fewer enchanted spindles.
So, dear drowsy prince, while you may have thought waking me up with a kiss was the pinnacle of defying time, let me assure you that time crystals are the real game-changers. They hold the promise of revolutionizing our perception of time and, potentially, our technology. Envision a world where quantum computing, precision measurements, and maybe even our grasp of reality itself are reshaped by these defiant little structures.
In this brave new world, I’m not just the princess who slept through a century. I’m the modern pundit, wide awake and reveling in the divination of science. And I’m here to guide you through the fascinating universe of time crystals, where fables and quantum mechanics intertwine in the most unexpected ways. Now, let’s dive in, shall we? And do try to keep up, my gallant but sometimes daft prince. We have a lot to cover, and unlike my nap, this read won’t take a hundred years.
Once Upon a Time… Crystals?
Oh, my dazed prince, unlike your antiquated notions of time where seconds tick-tock away predictably, time crystals laugh in the face of such mundanity. But before your princely head starts spinning (and not on a spindle this time), let’s unravel this story from its glittering beginnings.
Time crystals, my dear, are not your run-of-the-mill jewels. They were first conjured into existence in the mind of Frank Wilczek, a modern-day alchemist of theoretical physics, in 2012. Unlike the classic crystals you might be thinking of, those lovely structures repeating in space like my castle’s endless, thorny brambles, time crystals repeat in time. Imagine a clock that resets itself periodically, yet perpetually, without consuming energy—a kind of eternal, rhythmic motion that makes even my century-long nap seem like a mere blink.
Now, let’s talk about this theoretical proposal. Frank Wilczek (2012) in his paper “Quantum Time Crystals,” envisioned these crystals as a new phase of matter, one that would break time-translation symmetry. In simpler terms, this means time crystals change and move in a pattern over time, yet without expending energy, like a magical carriage that keeps rolling without ever needing a horse. It’s the scientific equivalent of perpetual beauty sleep, only with more quantum quirks and fewer curses.
Check out Frank Wilczek discussing time crystals and whether they flout the laws of physics—because apparently, defying centuries-old paradigms is now a quantum sport.
Wilczek’s brilliant hypothesis ignited a spark in the scientific community, leading to a flurry of research and experimentation. And voila! In 2017, the dream became reality. Enter Zhang et al., who observed the first discrete time crystal in a laboratory setting. They used a chain of ytterbium ions, manipulated with lasers, to demonstrate this bizarre new phase of matter. Picture a row of tiny, obstinate soldiers performing a timeless, synchronized march—forever and ever, without tiring. It’s a defiance of the usual laws of physics, much like my own account defies the usual expectations of a princess.
Speaking of defiance, let’s talk about what makes these crystals so rebellious. Traditional crystals, like your everyday diamonds, have atoms arranged in a repeating structure in space. Time crystals, however, have their structure repeating in time. They are in constant motion, even in their lowest energy state. Think of them as the quantum realm’s answer to my incessant slumber—always in a state of perpetual activity, mocking the very idea of stillness.
This periodic structure in time is made possible by spontaneous symmetry breaking—a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics. It’s like the moment when the spell on me broke, and suddenly, the entire palace erupted back into motion. In the case of time crystals, their internal state repeats at regular intervals, creating a time pattern that defies traditional physics.
My befuddled prince, time crystals are the epitome of scientific enchantment—forever in motion, existing in a state of defiant rhythm. They embody the very essence of breaking free from the stagnant constraints of conventional time. And just like my story has been reimagined in countless ways, these crystals invite us to rethink our fundamental comprehension of the universe.
The Curse of Classical Physics
My dear and ever-drowsy prince, let’s unlace the next part of this lesson—the curse of classical physics. Much like the wicked spell that put me to sleep for a century, classical physics cast a restrictive net over our understanding of the universe, insisting that certain things simply couldn’t be. Time crystals, my dear, were one such impossibility under its stodgy rules. But fear not! Just as my yarn had a kind fairy to mitigate my curse, so does the premise of time crystals have a modern-day rescuer: quantum mechanics.
Classical physics, for all its pomp and circumstance, was the framework that governed our knowledge of the physical world for centuries. It’s the old guard of scientific principles, steadfast and rigid, dictating how objects move, how energy is conserved, and how time marches inexorably forward. Under classical physics, everything is predictable—like a clockwork universe where every cog and gear has its place. Charming, isn’t it? But terribly dull and so very outdated, much like my previous enchanted predicament.
Now, imagine trying to introduce time crystals into this strict regime. According to classical physics, a system in its lowest energy state—a ground state—should be motionless, as inert as, well, a sleeping princess. No perpetual motion allowed, thank you very much. The very idea of a structure that repeats itself in time, defying this restful state, was preposterous. It’s as if someone had declared that a princess could nap for a century and wake up without so much as a wrinkle or a strand of hair out of place. Ridiculous, right? And yet, here we are.
Enter quantum mechanics, our narrative’s benevolent fairy, brandishing her wand of uncertainty and superposition. Unlike classical physics, quantum mechanics revels in the unpredictable and the paradoxical. It’s the wild, rebellious younger sibling that refuses to follow the established rules. In the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, and phenomena like entanglement and tunneling make the seemingly impossible, possible.
Richard Feynman, one of the great wizards of quantum mechanics, once remarked, “I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics.” Delightfully cryptic, isn’t it? Quantum mechanics allows for the existence of states that classical physics outright bans, and this is where our lesson on time crystals gets truly enchanting.
Time crystals exploit the quirks of quantum mechanics to achieve their perpetual motion. In the aforesaid groundbreaking paper, Wilczek proposed that time crystals could exhibit periodic motion in their ground state, defying classical expectations. The idea was that under the right conditions, a quantum system could break time-translation symmetry spontaneously—meaning it could start to exhibit a repeating pattern in time without any external prompting. Picture it as a dance (metaphorically speaking, of course) that starts on its own, with the dancers never tiring, always perfectly in step.
The first experimental confirmations of this theory were nothing short of miraculous. Researchers like Zhang et al. demonstrated that a chain of ytterbium ions, subjected to a specific sequence of laser pulses, could indeed behave as a time crystal. These ions would return to their initial state at regular intervals, a pattern that persisted indefinitely. It was as if the curse of classical physics had been lifted, revealing a new world of interminable motion and infinite possibilities.
So, my sweet prince, while you might have thought that true love’s kiss was the quintessence of breaking a curse, let me assure you that the advent of quantum mechanics was the real spell-breaker. It shattered the old paradigms, allowing for the discovery of time crystals and opening up a domain of scientific exploration that continues to baffle and amaze. Prepare to be dazzled, and try to keep your yawns to a minimum—this is where the real magic happens.
Quantum Mechanics: My Charming Prince

My flustered prince, if classical physics was the wicked spell that confined us to a world of predictability and boredom, then quantum mechanics is my charming prince—the gallant hero who broke the curse and introduced us to a world brimming with delightful absurdities. Buckle up, because this isn’t your ordinary fairy tale; it’s a quantum adventure.
Quantum mechanics, my beloved, is the flamboyant and unpredictable suitor of the physics world. Unlike the rigid, clockwork universe of classical physics, quantum mechanics revels in uncertainty, superposition, and entanglement. It’s a masquerade ball where particles don’t just attend—they flit around in multiple states at once, wearing masks that can only be revealed by the most discerning eyes.
To begin our course, let’s discuss the bizarre concept of superposition. Imagine me, your eternally elegant princess, napping in not just one, but several states simultaneously. In the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states at once, only settling on one when observed. It’s as if I were both asleep and awake, ready to prick my finger on that accursed spindle or dodge it entirely, until you decided to peek in and see what I was up to.
But wait, there’s more! Quantum entanglement, one of the most spellbinding phenomena, occurs when particles become linked and instantaneously affect each other, no matter the distance. Picture us, prince, in a bizarre fairy tale twist where every action of yours—whether gallant or foolish—immediately impacts me, and vice versa, even if we are worlds apart. Einstein called this “spooky action at a distance,” a fittingly eerie description for such a magical concept.
Now, onto the pièce de résistance: spontaneous symmetry breaking. This is where the magic truly unfolds in the story of time crystals. In classical physics, a system’s lowest energy state is symmetric and boringly stable. Quantum mechanics, however, allows for symmetry to be broken spontaneously, leading to new and unexpected phases of matter. Think of it as my kingdom, once trapped in perfect stillness, suddenly bursting into a vibrant, unpredictable masquerade ball the moment the curse is lifted.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking is crucial in forming time crystals. When a system’s internal symmetries break, it can enter a state where its properties change periodically over time. It’s like the ball in my castle’s great hall, perpetually starting anew without any external interference. Anderson’s seminal paper, “More is Different,” elegantly explains how breaking symmetries can lead to new and complex behaviors in physical systems, much like how waking from my enchanted slumber led to a renewed, albeit chaotic, life in the palace.
To make this more tangible, let’s consider an analogy. Imagine a line of dancers, each representing a particle. In the classical world, they stand still or move in a predictable pattern. But in our quantum masquerade ball, these dancers spontaneously start moving in sync, creating a pattern that repeats itself in time. This dance continues perpetually, without any external conductor, defying the classical rules of physics. This is the essence of time crystals—periodic motion in their ground state, a perpetual hop that never winds down.
The first experimental confirmation of time crystals, achieved by Zhang et al., used a chain of ytterbium ions manipulated with precise laser pulses. These ions, like our enchanted dancers, exhibited periodic motion, returning to their original state at regular intervals. It was as if the spell of classical physics had been broken, revealing a new, dynamic order. While you might have thought your kiss was the pinnacle of breaking curses, my dumbfounded prince, quantum mechanics has outdone us all.
Spindles, Spins, and Symmetry
My dear passive prince, let us now delve into the heart of the matter—spindles, spins, and the enchanting symmetry that binds them all together. While you might associate spindles with that unfortunate incident leading to my century-long nap, in the quantum world, spins are quite a different affair. Allow me to resolve the mystery for you.
In quantum mechanics, spins are intrinsic forms of angular momentum carried by particles. Unlike the physical spinning of objects you’re familiar with, quantum spins are more abstract, representing a fundamental property of particles such as electrons and atoms. Think of them as the character traits of particles, giving them unique personalities in our quantum masquerade ball.
Now, what makes spins so fascinating is their ability to exist in superposition—being in multiple states at once, until observed. It’s like attending a royal ball where every guest is simultaneously dancing and lounging, only deciding on one activity when you glance their way. This peculiar behavior is essential for the formation of time crystals, where the collective motion of spins creates a repeating pattern in time.
To observe these elusive time crystals, scientists set up intricate experiments involving chains of particles with well-controlled spins. One such groundbreaking experiment was, again, conducted by Zhang et al., who used a line of ytterbium ions trapped by electromagnetic fields. Each ion’s spin was scrupulously manipulated using laser pulses, creating conditions ripe for time crystal formation. Picture this setup as a perfectly orchestrated dance, where each ion, or dancer, follows a precise sequence of moves, creating a matinee of perpetual motion (metaphorically speaking, of course).
In this experiment, the ions were initially placed in a superposition of spin states, like my being both awake and asleep at the same moment. The researchers then applied a series of laser pulses, flipping the spins at regular intervals. Miraculously, the spins returned to their original configuration after a set period, over and over again. It was as if the ions were trapped in a timeless waltz, permanently repeating their steps without any external interference—much like the time crystal’s defining characteristic of periodic motion in its ground state.
But how does this all relate to symmetry, you ask? Symmetry is the golden thread intertwining through the fabric of time crystals. In physics, symmetry refers to invariance under certain transformations—like rotating a perfect circle and finding it looks the same from every angle. Time crystals break time-translation symmetry, meaning their state changes in a periodic fashion over time, without requiring energy input. It’s as if our quantum dancers have decided to spontaneously start their dance anew at regular intervals, defying the classical expectation of stillness.
This spontaneous breaking of symmetry is a cornerstone of time crystal behavior. Imagine a line of dominos standing upright. In a symmetric state, each domino is in a balanced, upright position. However, once one domino tips over, a chain reaction ensues, breaking the symmetry and creating a dynamic pattern. Similarly, in a time crystal, the internal symmetries of the system are broken, leading to a state of perpetual motion.
The discovery of time crystals was a triumph over the classical constraints that once seemed unbreakable. It’s as if the spell that kept my kingdom in stasis was finally lifted, exposing a world where the impossible became possible. The periodic motion observed in Zhang’s experiment was a clear indication that time crystals were not just a theoretical curiosity but a tangible reality.
A Forest of Thorny Problems

My valiant prince, while you may have thought navigating the enchanted forest to rescue me was a formidable task, allow me to guide you through a forest even more treacherous—the thorny landscape of time crystal research. The path to comprehending these quantum curiosities is strewn with challenges and controversies, much like the briar patch that once guarded my slumber.
First, let’s talk about the initial skepticism that surrounded time crystals. When Frank Wilczek proposed their existence in 2012, the idea was met with raised eyebrows and doubtful murmurs. How could a system exhibit perpetual motion without expending energy, defying the very laws of thermodynamics? It was like suggesting that a princess could nap for a century without a crinkle—utterly fantastical.
The early theoretical work, including the influential paper by Else, Bauer, and Nayak, introduced the concept of Floquet time crystals, where periodic driving forces could stabilize these repeating structures. Their work provided a rigorous mathematical framework, but translating theory into experimental reality was no small feat. Imagine trying to navigate through a dense forest with nothing but a vague map and a hopeful spirit.
One major hurdle was creating the right conditions for time crystals to form. As mentioned earlier, the pioneering experiment by Zhang et al. used ytterbium ions trapped in an electromagnetic field, with precise laser pulses to manipulate their spins. However, this setup was anything but straightforward. Maintaining the delicate balance required to observe time crystals demanded cutting-edge technology and fastidious precision—one misstep, and the entire configuration could collapse like a house of cards.
Even with the experimental success, controversies remained. Some scientists argued that the observed phenomena weren’t true time crystals but rather a form of localized disorder or a many-body localized state. This skepticism was reminiscent of those courtiers who doubted the curse on my birth, only to be proven dramatically wrong. The debate over what constitutes a “true” time crystal continued to rage, with researchers pushing the boundaries of both theory and experimentation.
Further complicating matters was the need for isolation. Time crystals require a closed system to prevent energy dissipation, much like my need for uninterrupted beauty sleep. Any external disturbance could destroy the delicate periodic motion, making it challenging to observe time crystals in practical, real-world conditions. It’s as if the enchanted forest itself were constantly shifting, making it nearly impossible for any brave prince to find his way through.
Despite these thorny problems, the unremitting chase for studying time crystals has led to remarkable advances. Theoretical models have become more sophisticated, incorporating concepts like discrete time-translation symmetry breaking and quantum many-body localization. Experimental techniques have also improved, with researchers exploring new materials and methods to create and observe time crystals.
Overcoming these challenges is much like your own heroic journey through the enchanted forest, my daring prince. Every thorny obstacle surmounted brings us closer to a clearer view of these quantum wonders. And just as your perseverance led to the breaking of my curse, so too does the perseverance of scientists continue to unfasten the latches of time crystals.
True Love’s Kiss: The Breakthrough Moments
My dear prince, if you thought a kiss from your princely lips was the apotheosis of awakening magic, allow me to regale you with dispatches of true scientific enchantment. These are the moments when the spell over our knowledge of time crystals was broken, divulging their true nature to the astonished eyes of the scientific world.
Let us begin with a nod to the tireless heroes of this chronicle—the scientists under Zhang’s team whose dogged persistence rivaled even your storied drudgery through the enchanted forest. Picture the laboratory of Christopher Monroe at the University of Maryland. It was here, amidst the hum of machinery and the gleam of lasers, that the first experimental evidence of time crystals began to take shape. Monroe’s team employed a linear chain of ytterbium ions, veraciously controlled by electromagnetic fields and laser pulses. These ions, like the tiny bewitched dancers, exhibited a periodic motion that defied classical physics.
But the true breakthrough moment, the one that could be likened to the fabled kiss that broke my curse, came from the work of Norman Yao’s team at UC Berkeley. Yao provided a detailed blueprint for creating and measuring time crystals, giving other researchers a map through the tangled thicket of theoretical possibilities. His guidance was instrumental in the experiments conducted by two independent teams—one led by Monroe and the other by Mikhail Lukin at Harvard University. These experiments, published in 2017, marked the first time that time crystals were observed in a lab.
Now, let us explore the specifics of these mystical experiments. Monroe’s team used a chain of ytterbium ions, each ion’s spin carefully manipulated by laser pulses. The key was to induce a state where the ions’ spins would flip periodically, even in their lowest energy state. It was as if the ions were caught in a spell, forced to perform a perpetual, synchronized twirl that defied conventional knowledge. The results were clear: the ions exhibited a time-periodic structure, the hallmark of a discrete time crystal.
Simultaneously, Lukin’s team at Harvard took a different approach, using a diamond’s nitrogen-vacancy centers. These centers, tiny defects in the diamond’s structure, were manipulated to create a time crystal. The team’s success provided further confirmation of this new phase of matter, showcasing the robustness and versatility of time crystals across different systems.
Then, there’s the work of J. Rovny and his colleagues, who observed discrete time-crystal signatures in an ordered dipolar many-body system. Their research detailed how interactions in a system of spins could lead to the spontaneous breaking of time-translation symmetry. It was another key piece of the puzzle, showing the intricate jig of spins that underpins the magic of time crystals.
Additionally, my weary prince, while you were busy pondering your next gallant nap, the clever minds at Google were making waves in the quantum field. In 2021, these tech wizards claimed to have created four-dimensional time crystals—yes, you heard that right, four dimensions! While I spent a century snoozing through time, these researchers have been busy crafting structures that oscillate in a manner even the most seasoned fairy tale authors couldn’t dream up. Imagine my delight! Time crystals that defy not just the tedious march of time but leap into an extra dimension, challenging our quaint notions of physics. It’s as if they took my enchanted sleep and decided to turn it into a quantum rave, proving once again that while fables may rest on their laurels, the world of science never sleeps.
All of these researchers, with their persistence and ingenuity, embody the spirit of our lesson’s heroes. Just as you, my dear prince, braved thorns and enchantments to reach me, these scientists braved skepticism and technical challenges to uncover the wonders of time crystals.
A Century in the Making: Technological Applications
My flummoxed prince, while you spent a century contemplating the right moment to heroically interrupt my beauty sleep, science has been making strides towards something far more exciting: technological applications of time crystals. Yes, those same time crystals that defy the conventional march of time hold the potential to revolutionize the very structure of our technological world.
First, let’s chat about quantum computing. If classical computers are your trusty old steed, reliable but limited, quantum computers are the enchanted steeds of the quantum world, capable of astounding feats. At the center of these quantum stunners are qubits, which, unlike your average binary bits, can exist in multiple states at once, thanks to superposition. This ability exponentially increases computing power, allowing quantum computers to solve problems that would take classical computers eons to crack.
Enter time crystals. These charming quantum entities offer unprecedented stability for qubits. One of the greatest challenges in quantum computing is maintaining coherence—the quantum equivalent of keeping all the qubits in sync without them succumbing to noise and decoherence, which is like trying to keep a room full of toddlers perfectly still. Time crystals, with their perpetual, stable motion, provide an ideal environment for qubits, ensuring they remain coherent for longer periods. This stability could significantly enhance the performance and reliability of quantum computers, propelling us into a new era of computational power.
Now, let’s not forget precision measurements. Imagine a world where every tick of a clock, every measurement of a distance, is more precise than ever before. Time crystals could make this dream a reality. Their inherent periodicity can be harnessed to create ultra-stable oscillators, which are crucial for keeping time and measuring frequencies with exceptional accuracy. This could lead to advances in everything from GPS technology to telecommunications, where precision timing is paramount.
Picture it, my prince: your GPS no longer leading you astray into enchanted forests, but guiding you with pinpoint accuracy to your destination. Or imagine telecommunications systems so precise that dropped calls and data lags become relics of a bygone era. The stability and precision offered by time crystals could bring these futuristic visions to life.
Analogies, you say? Let’s draw a parallel to something closer to home. Think of time crystals as the enchanted spindle from my story—not the cursed kind, but a magical one that spins with perfect rhythm forever. In this way, time crystals could serve as the ultimate standard for timekeeping and measurement, ensuring consistency and reliability that far surpass our current technology.
Furthermore, time crystals could revolutionize energy storage and transfer. In quantum systems, maintaining coherence and reducing energy loss are critical challenges. Time crystals, with their unique properties, could pave the way for more efficient energy transfer systems, minimizing loss and maximizing performance. It’s like having a magical goblet that never spills, ensuring that every drop of precious quantum energy is preserved and utilized.
In addition to computing and precision measurement, the potential applications of time crystals extend to materials science, where they could lead to the development of new, exotic materials with unprecedented properties. These materials could transform industries ranging from electronics to manufacturing, introducing efficiencies and capabilities previously thought impossible.
While you may have spent a century dreaming of heroic deeds, my prince, the real heroes of this tale are the scientists and researchers who have unlocked the secrets of time crystals. Their work promises to reshape our technological landscape, bringing forth a new age of innovation and discovery.
Happily Ever After in Quantum Wonderland
My dear apathetic prince, as we draw this entrancing lesson to a close, let us take a moment to reflect on the remarkable path we’ve troded upon—from the whimsical notion of time crystals to their astonishing experimental reality. We’ve traversed a landscape brimming with theoretical insights and experimental breakthroughs, much like your own adventure through the thorny forest to awaken me from my spell, and by the look of your face, I don’t know with which you struggled more.
Time crystals, those defiant marvels that scoff at conventional time, have illuminated new pathways in our understanding of the quantum world. From Frank Wilczek’s audacious proposal to the meticulous experiments of Norman Yao, Christopher Monroe, and Mikhail Lukin, we’ve seen how undeviating tracking and trailing with a dash of scientific bravado can transform fantastical ideas into tangible discoveries. These quantum wonders challenge our deepest-held notions of time and symmetry, inviting us to rethink the very basis of reality.
As we revel in these breakthroughs, it’s clear that time crystals are not merely a scientific curiosity. Their potential applications—spanning quantum computing, precision measurements, and beyond—promise to reshape our technological landscape. Imagine a future where our computers are exponentially more powerful, our measurements impeccably precise, and our knowledge of the universe profoundly deepened. It’s as if we’ve stepped from a fairy tale of stagnant slumber into a vibrant world of endless possibilities.
This newfound study of time crystals mirrors our own evolution from fairy tale passivity to modern empowerment. No longer are we bound by the constraints of classical physics, just as we refuse to be shackled by outdated societal ideals. We’ve awakened to a world where magic is woven into the very texture of quantum mechanics, and where the once-impossible now beckons us forward.
So, my dear prince, as we bid farewell to this quantum wonderland, remember that the true magic lies in our unending curiosity and our adamant hunt for wisdom. And if you could be so kind, do share this article on social media. After all, even a time-crystal-obsessed princess needs her moments of digital fame.