Mastering Complexity: Scientists Unlock New Ability to Manipulate Complex Systems

Monday 08 September 2025

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how complex systems can be controlled and manipulated using external signals. This new approach has far-reaching implications for fields such as optics, electronics, and even biology.

The discovery revolves around a phenomenon called exceptional points (EPs) and degenerate points (DPs), which occur when multiple frequencies or modes of vibration become intertwined in a system. These points are notoriously difficult to predict and control, making them a major challenge for researchers seeking to manipulate complex systems.

To tackle this problem, scientists have developed a new mathematical framework that allows them to analyze and predict the behavior of EPs and DPs using external signals. This approach is based on an old technique called the Wigner-Smith theory, which was previously only applicable to simple systems.

The key innovation is the ability to extend this theory to complex systems, allowing scientists to manipulate EPs and DPs in a way that was previously thought impossible. This has opened up new possibilities for controlling and manipulating complex systems, such as optical fibers and nanoscale devices.

One of the most exciting applications of this research is in the field of optics, where it could enable the creation of ultra-compact and powerful lasers. These lasers would be capable of producing extremely high-intensity light, which could have a range of potential uses, including medical treatments and advanced manufacturing techniques.

The researchers behind this breakthrough used a combination of theoretical modeling and experimental testing to validate their approach. They began by developing a new mathematical framework that allowed them to analyze the behavior of EPs and DPs in complex systems. They then tested this framework using a series of experiments involving optical fibers and nanoscale devices.

The results were striking, with the researchers able to manipulate EPs and DPs in ways that had previously been thought impossible. This has opened up new possibilities for controlling and manipulating complex systems, and could have far-reaching implications for fields such as optics, electronics, and biology.

In addition to its potential applications in optics, this research also has implications for other fields, including medicine and biotechnology. For example, it could potentially be used to develop new medical treatments that are capable of targeting specific cells or tissues within the body.

Overall, this breakthrough represents a major step forward in our understanding of complex systems, and has opened up new possibilities for controlling and manipulating them. It is an exciting development that holds much promise for the future.

Cite this article: “Mastering Complexity: Scientists Unlock New Ability to Manipulate Complex Systems”, The Science Archive, 2025.

Exceptional Points, Degenerate Points, Complex Systems, Control, Manipulation, Optics, Electronics, Biology, Mathematical Framework, Wigner-Smith Theory

Reference: Kaiyuan Wang, Niall Byrnes, Matthew R. Foreman, “Generalized Wigner-Smith theory for perturbations at exceptional and diabolic point degeneracies” (2025).

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