Mathematicians have solved a riddle that has troubled scientists for 60 years, by finding a form that can be placed in the form of tiles, adhering it to infinity without repeating the pattern. A group of mathematicians, led by British mathematician David Smith, developed a new 13-sided figure called “HAT” or “Triskidekagon”. Smith shared his discovery with The Guardian. The figure allows for creation of an endless tile with a pattern that is never repeated. These tiles are called “Monoplita”, “Einstein Tile”, “Mosaic Einstein”, “One form” or “Aperiodic mosaic”.
The discovery is significant as aperiodic mosaics are unlike periodic mosaics which are often repeated. Even though the mosaic has a final number of forms and covers an endless surface without gaps or ceilings, aperiodic mosaics are never repeated. In simpler terms, if the tiles are laid on a surface such as a gender, entrance or football field, the entire surface will be covered with an endless pattern that will always be different.
It is not yet clear how significant this discovery is to the world outside of mathematics. The monoplite may be used in art, design, and architecture. Additionally, the discovery can help in the study of quasi-crystals.