Ultracold atom cloud
An ultracold atom cloud is a collection of atoms cooled to temperatures near absolute zero, used in advanced physics experiments.
How big is it?
1 × 10⁻⁷ K · temperature
Also -459.7 °F
Temperature · defined reference
A little perspective
Ultracold atom cloud vs Absolute zero: temperature comparison
The temperature of an ultracold atom cloud is 1 × 10⁻⁷ K higher than absolute zero.
An ultracold atom cloud is a collection of atoms cooled to temperatures near absolute zero, used in advanced physics experiments.
Absolute zero is the lowest temperature permitted by thermodynamics, where a system has the least thermal energy available to it.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Ultracold atom cloud
Temperature: 1 × 10⁻⁷ K; defined reference.
A chosen 100 nK laboratory-temperature scale. It is a model, not a current cooling record.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Absolute zero
Temperature: 0 K; approximate.
The zero of the thermodynamic kelvin scale. It is approached in experiments, not reached by ordinary finite cooling.
NIST — 2022 CODATA fundamental constants
The marked temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1 × 10⁻⁷ K
We compare the temperature of an ultracold atom cloud. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
A chosen 100 nK laboratory-temperature scale. It is a model, not a current cooling record.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 10⁻⁷ K | Not recorded | defined reference |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTemperatureAbsolute zero0 KTemperatureAbsolute zero is the lowest temperature permitted by thermodynamics, where a system has the least thermal energy available to it.
Around the same scaleTemperatureCosmic microwave background2.725 KTemperatureThe cosmic microwave background is faint thermal radiation filling the universe, left over from the early stages after the Big Bang.Nearest higher valueTemperatureSuperfluid helium lambda point2.17 KTemperatureThe superfluid helium lambda point is the temperature at which helium-4 transitions from a normal liquid to a superfluid state.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TemperatureAbsolute zero0 KAbsolute zero is the lowest temperature permitted by thermodynamics, where a system has the least thermal energy available to it.TemperatureRoom temperature20 °CRoom temperature describes indoor air conditions generally considered comfortable for people and suitable for ordinary activities.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
Fundamental physicsPlanck temperature1.417 × 10³² KThe Planck temperature is a theoretical temperature scale at which quantum gravitational effects are expected to become important.TemperatureSuperfluid helium lambda point2.17 KThe superfluid helium lambda point is the temperature at which helium-4 transitions from a normal liquid to a superfluid state.TemperatureCosmic microwave background2.725 KThe cosmic microwave background is faint thermal radiation filling the universe, left over from the early stages after the Big Bang.TemperatureBoiling helium4.22 KBoiling helium is helium in its liquid state at its normal boiling point under standard atmospheric pressure.TemperatureHydrogen normal boiling point20.27 KHydrogen normal boiling point is the temperature at which hydrogen changes from a liquid to a gas at standard atmospheric pressure.