Principle of Unattainability of absolute zero temperature, the Third Law of Thermodynamics, and projective quantum measurements

Abstract

The Principle of Unattainability rules out the attainment of absolute zero temperature by any finite physical means, no matter how idealised they could be. Nevertheless, we clarify that the Third Law of Thermodynamics, as defined by Nernst's heat theorem statement, is distinct from the Principle of Unattainability in the sense that the Third Law is mathematically equivalent only to the unattainability of absolute zero temperature by quasi-static adiabatic processes. This, on the one hand, leaves open the possibility of attainability of absolute zero by non-adiabatic means, without violating the Third Law. On the other hand, we point out some apparent incompatibility between the Postulate of Projective Measurement in quantum mechanics and the Principle of Unattainability in that projective measurements of energy could result in zero temperature.