2. Quantum Temperatures

            1848, when Lord Kelvin established the absolute temperature scale, he did not know about quanta. The idea that there is no temperature possible below 0ºK has prevailed for more than 1 ½ centuries, but now this idea seems to be insufficient with regard to quantum vacuum exploration (see for ex. ⁹): According to Heisenbergs Uncertainty Principle, there ought to be a whole world of virtual photons, particles and antiparticles even at zero Kelvin. In consequence, zero Kelvin cannot represent zero energy. The energy that exists at zero Kelvin must correspond furthermore to a certain energy level and this energy level must necessarily begin far below zero Kelvin. In fact: In agreement to equation [5], the Casimir force that originates from the ZPF is a 5-dimensional force, and according to equation [4], its strength varies with the distance. Therefore, the field density will be higher between plates that are close together, and weaker between plates that are more distant. In consequence, the energy density of the ZPF varies locally, so that there are regions with more energy than others. In addition, zero-point fluctuations arise from virtual photons of a potential variety of wavelengths (⁶), thus supporting the idea that there is a whole energy range below zero K, analogous to the energy range of real photons above absolute zero (radio waves through gamma rays).

            In consequence, the author defines the concept of “quantum temperatures” as the measurable amount of energy contained below zero Kelvin. This energy would mainly be due to the following sources of kinetic or pure energy:

1. quantum spin / quantum rotation

2.             According to ¹¹, the maximum energy density in the sense of oscillating particles that quantum vacuum can contain is 10¹¹⁶ ergs cm^-3 s^-1 = 10¹¹⁵ J m^-3 s^-1. This energy level corresponds to any wave or particle energy “that spacetime can support”. In consequence, there is a whole world of quantum temperatures, beginning with 0ºK or 10¹¹⁵ J m^-3 s^-1 and ending at 0 J m^-3 s^-1:

   1.  Above 10¹¹⁵ J (>0ºK), we have a hot universe with Kelvin radiation (EMR).
   2.      At 10¹¹⁵ J (0ºK), we have a wavy universe with quantum waves and ZPE, but no more Kelvin radiation (EMR=0).
   3.      Below 10¹¹⁵ J (<0ºK), we have a universe that becomes less and less wavy and has a respective lower ZPE.
   4.      At 0 J, we reach a completely flat universe with no quantum waves nor ZPE at all.

   The flat universe corresponded to the concept of the “Big Chill”, a possible final state of the universe after burning out all the energy available, e.g. smoothing any existing QW.