Inexistence of equilibrium states at absolute negative temperatures

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that states claiming to have absolute negative temperatures are inherently unstable and cannot exist in thermodynamic equilibrium, challenging previous theoretical assumptions about such states.

Contribution

The paper proves the instability of negative temperature states, showing they cannot be in thermodynamic equilibrium, thus invalidating their physical existence.

Findings

Negative temperature states are unstable under small perturbations.

Such states cannot be in thermodynamic equilibrium.

Reversible processes involving negative temperatures are impossible.

Abstract

We show that states of macroscopic systems with purported absolute negative temperatures are not stable under small, yet arbitrary, perturbations. We prove the previous statement using the fact that, in equilibrium, the entropy takes its maximum value. We discuss that, while Ramsey theoretical reformulation of the Second Law for systems with negative temperatures is logically correct, it must be a priori assumed that those states are in thermodynamic equilibrium. Since we argue that those states cannot occur, reversible processes are impossible and, thus, Ramsey identification of negative absolute temperatures is untenable.