If my quantum thinking is correct, the answer is both yes and no. And not depending on how you look at it, but if you do.
Seriously, I think the conundrum is, why do the atoms decide to dance the two step perpetually even though they themselves absorb no energy from the blast?
As they stated, atoms then may (and may not simultaneously) flip into another state—and then flip back—and then flip again—and so forth, all without actually absorbing any energy from the laser.
So the writer states..,
"if you step back, what you’ve just created is a state of matter that’s perpetually in motion, indefinitely, without taking in any energy"
Like the atoms agreed just to respond that way. And liked it so much they then decided to compare their previous state to their new digs. Then mutually agreed they enjoyed alternating even more than either state alone. They are not being prodded to do so as it is entirely their decision I think.
Thus apparently violating the second law of thermodynamics.
Then again, you are right about the initial stimuli. But it seems the response is less about the energy than it is atoms stepping on stage for an eternal dance number when they know the lights went on.
Bookmarks