Quantum Formulation Brings Absolute Zero Closer to Reality.

Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a quantum formulation for the third law of thermodynamics, which posits that reaching absolute zero is theoretically possible. However, any viable method for achieving this requires three components: energy, time, and complexity. Absolute zero can only be attained if one of these elements is available in infinite supply. The researchers found that quantum systems can be defined that allow the absolute ground state to be reached even at finite energy and in finite time, but these special quantum systems are infinitely complex.