Chinese scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in physics by creating an extremely low temperature of just 9.7 picokelvin (pK) aboard the Tiangong space station. The achievement is being described as a record-breaking milestone in ultracold research, taking scientists closer than ever to understanding the unusual behaviour of matter near absolute zero.
During the experiment, researchers cooled approximately 20,000 rubidium atoms to form a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), a special state of matter often called the fifth state of matter. The recorded temperature is around 280 billion times lower than the average temperature of the universe, which is approximately 2.7 kelvin.
The experiment was conducted using specialised equipment installed inside China’s orbiting space station. Scientists believe the findings could open new opportunities for quantum physics research, precision measurements and future space-based experiments.
How Chinese Scientists Achieved the Record Temperature
The research team used the Cold Atom Physics Rack, located inside the Mengtian laboratory module of China’s Tiangong space station. The specialised equipment was designed to cool atoms and study their behaviour under extremely low-temperature conditions.
Researchers used approximately 20,000 rubidium atoms and applied advanced cooling techniques to reduce their movement. As the temperature dropped close to absolute zero, the atoms formed a Bose-Einstein condensate.
One of the most important factors behind the experiment was the microgravity environment of space. On Earth, gravity causes ultracold atomic clouds to fall and spread, making it difficult for scientists to maintain stable conditions for long periods.
In space, the effects of gravity are significantly reduced. This allows researchers to observe ultracold atoms for longer periods and study their quantum properties more effectively.
During the experiment, scientists were able to observe the atomic cloud as it expanded freely for approximately seven seconds. This provided valuable information about the behaviour of matter under extreme conditions.
What Is a Bose-Einstein Condensate?
A Bose-Einstein condensate is an unusual state of matter that forms when certain particles are cooled to temperatures extremely close to absolute zero.
At these temperatures, individual atoms begin to behave collectively as a single quantum system. Instead of acting like separate particles, they display properties similar to a single large quantum wave.
The concept was theoretically developed in 1924 by Indian physicist Satyendra Nath Bose and renowned scientist Albert Einstein. Their work helped establish the foundation for understanding this unusual state of matter.
A Bose-Einstein condensate is particularly important because it allows scientists to study quantum behaviour that is difficult to observe under normal laboratory conditions.
Why Is This Discovery Important?
The achievement is significant because it demonstrates the potential of conducting advanced quantum experiments in space.
Ultracold atoms can help scientists develop highly precise measurement instruments. These technologies could be useful in studying gravity, acceleration and other fundamental physical phenomena.
The experiment could also support future research in quantum simulation. This field allows researchers to recreate and investigate complex quantum systems under controlled conditions.
According to the research published in the journal Science, the achievement could encourage a new generation of experiments involving quantum simulation and precision measurements in space.
Ernst Rasel, a quantum physicist at Leibniz University Hannover, praised the achievement. His research team had recorded the previous temperature milestone in 2021. He expressed his admiration for the latest experiment and congratulated the scientists involved.
Scientists Explore New Possibilities in Space
Scientists around the world continue to experiment with extremely low temperatures to understand how matter behaves under unusual physical conditions.
The latest Chinese experiment highlights how space-based laboratories can offer advantages that are difficult to achieve on Earth. Microgravity provides researchers with better opportunities to observe ultracold atomic systems and investigate their quantum properties.
However, reaching 9.7 picokelvin does not mean that scientists have achieved absolute zero. Absolute zero, equivalent to minus 273.15 degrees Celsius, is the theoretical lowest temperature possible.
The breakthrough represents an important development in quantum physics and space research. Further experiments could help scientists understand mysterious quantum states, improve precision measurement technologies and explore new applications of ultracold atoms.
With the Tiangong space station providing a platform for such advanced research, scientists may be able to explore new frontiers in physics in the coming years.
