/
Article

Towards the absolute zero

DEC 01, 1979
Low‐temperature physicists are surpassing nature, using dilution refrigeration, Pomeranchuk cooling and nuclear demagnetization to investigate phenomena hitherto unknown in the universe.
Olli V. Lounasmaa

Low‐temperature physicists are constantly trying to extend the temperature range accessible to experimental investigations closer and closer to the absolute zero. While the third law of thermodynamics prevents their ever reaching 0 K, they have long since surpassed Nature herself. The temperature of the cosmic background radiation is 3 K; below 3 K, we are creating new physics, hitherto unknown to the universe. And this has been done without any large expenditures of manpower or equipment—the most sophisticated weapons at the cold frontier of physics are inexpensive indeed.

This article is only available in PDF format

References

  1. 1. D. D. Osheroff, R. C. Richardson, D. M. Lee, Phys. Rev. Lett. 28, 885 (1972).https://doi.org/PRLTAO

  2. 2. Y. Roinel, V. Bouffard, G. L. Bacchella, M. Pinot, P. Mériel, P. Roubeau, O. Avenel, M. Goldman, A. Abragam, Phys. Rev. Lett. 41, 1572 (1978).https://doi.org/PRLTAO

  3. 3. G. J. Ehnholm, J. P. Ekström, J. F. Jacquinot, M. T. Loponen, O. V. Lounasmaa, J. K. Soini, Phys. Rev. Lett. 42, 1702 (1979).https://doi.org/PRLTAO

  4. 4. A. J. Leggett, J. Physique 39, C6‐1264 (1978).

  5. 5. O. V. Lounasmaa, Experimental Principles and Methods Below 1 K, Academic Press, London & New York (1974).

  6. 6. O. V. Lounasmaa, J. Phys. E 12, 668 (1979).https://doi.org/JPSIAE

  7. 7. G. Frossati, J. Physique 39, C6‐1578 (1978).

  8. 8. T. O. Niinikoski, Proc. 6th Internat. Cryogenic Engineering Conf., IPC Science and Technology Press (1976); page 102.

  9. 9. M. Chapellier, G. Frossati, F. B. Rasmussen, Phys. Rev. Lett. 42, 904 (1970).https://doi.org/PRLTAO

  10. 10. D. N. Paulson, J. C. Wheatley, Phys. Rev. Lett. 40, 557 (1978).https://doi.org/PRLTAO

  11. 11. K. Andres, Cryogenics 18, 473 (1978).https://doi.org/CRYOAX

  12. 12. J. Babcock, J. Kiely, T. Manley, W. Weyhmann, Phys. Rev. Lett. 43, 380 (1979).https://doi.org/PRLTAO

More about the authors

Olli V. Lounasmaa, Helsinki University of Technology.

Related content
/
Article
Myriad solutions emerge in the stressful process of balancing professional ambition and personal happiness.
/
Article
An interview with a prominent member of the Marshallese diaspora delves into the ongoing impact of aboveground US nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific archipelago.
/
Article
Detecting quantum particles of gravity was long considered hopeless. A new perspective, which takes advantage of quantum technologies, suggests that an experimental realization may be closer than previously thought.
/
Article
As higher-education programs compete for a shrinking pool of students, departments must better communicate the value that a physics major brings.
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1979_12.jpeg

Volume 32, Number 12

Get PT newsletters in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.