Themes > Science > Physics > Cryogenics > Temperature > Is a negative Kelvin temperature possible? > Systems at negative absolute temperature

Nevertheless, both systems at infinite temperature and at negative absolute temperature can be prepared. Let us look first at negative temperature. In most lasers atoms are excited electronically to a high energy level. Prior to laser light emission of the whole system, more atoms have to be excited than are not, and a negative absolute temperature can be ascribed to the system. Note that, as expected, atoms are not excited by heating.


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