Synthetic rotation allows lab-based testing of black hole energy theories

On July 11, 2026, researchers at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center demonstrated a groundbreaking method to amplify waves by simulating black hole energy extraction in a laboratory setting. This innovative approach is based on theories proposed by renowned physicists Roger Penrose and Yakov Zel'dovich, who theorized that energy could be extracted from rapidly rotating black holes.

Understanding Synthetic Rotation and Its Applications

The concept of synthetic rotation involves using engineered devices to mimic the effects of extreme rotational dynamics without requiring actual mechanical rotation. The researchers engineered a radio-frequency device that modulates properties in both space and time, creating a synthetic form of ultrafast rotation. This advancement enables researchers to explore wave–matter interactions in ways previously thought impossible.

Principal investigator Andrea Alù, a distinguished professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, stated, "Our approach facilitates a new method of wave–matter interaction in which waves with selected rotational properties extract energy from synthetic time-engineered rotation, producing a form of broadband selective amplification." This innovative platform has significant implications for fundamental science, communications, optics, and photonics.

Experimental Setup and Findings

The team built a ring-shaped network of electronic resonators to test their hypothesis. By rapidly modulating the properties of this network, they created a traveling pattern that made electromagnetic waves perceive the system as rotating at ultrafast speeds. This unique setup allowed waves to extract energy from the system and become amplified, effectively reproducing the essential physics of the Penrose–Zel'dovich process.

Co-lead author Hady Moussa noted, "Waves with the appropriate rotational characteristics extracted energy from the system and became amplified, reproducing the essential physics of the Penrose–Zel'dovich process." The findings demonstrate that synthetic rotation can simulate extreme physics environments and open new avenues for experimental research.

Future Implications of Synthetic Rotation

The potential applications of synthetic rotation are vast. Researchers can utilize this technology to study extreme regimes in a controlled laboratory setting, which could lead to advancements in wireless communications and both classical and quantum optics. The ability to simulate movement past the speed of light allows for unprecedented exploration of phenomena that would otherwise remain inaccessible.

As the research progresses, the principles of synthetic rotation may be adapted for practical technologies in photonic and quantum platforms, enabling new methods to manipulate light and process information. This groundbreaking work marks a significant step forward in understanding complex astrophysical phenomena.

Publication details: Andrea Alù, Observation of Floquet rotational super-radiance, Nature (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10725-y.