Entropic Time?...

From Google AI:

A Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) is an exotic state of matter formed when a gas of bosons is cooled to temperatures just a fraction of a degree above absolute zero. At this ultra-cold threshold, atoms lose their individual identities and merge into a single macroscopic quantum "superatom" that behaves like a single wave. 

How It Works

At normal temperatures, atoms behave like individual, bouncing particles. According to quantum mechanics, these particles also exhibit wave properties. As the temperature drops, the speed of the atoms decreases, causing their quantum-mechanical wavelengths to stretch and expand. 

When the gas gets cold enough, the wavelengths of all the individual atoms overlap and synchronize. They all fall into the same lowest quantum energy state, effectively transforming a cloud of separate atoms into a single, cohesive entity.

Discovery and Physics

The phenomenon was theorized by Albert Einstein and Indian physicist Satyendra Nath Bose in 1924–1925. However, it wasn't until 1995 that scientists were first able to achieve the necessary, ultra-cold temperatures (nearing 0 K) using advanced laser and magnetic cooling techniques. Physicists Eric Cornell, Carl Wieman, and Wolfgang Ketterle were awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics for this breakthrough. 

Applications and Importance

Because BECs act as one giant quantum wave, they allow physicists to study quantum mechanics on a macroscopic, visible scale. This has led to the development of "atom lasers" and incredibly precise sensors. BECs are also used as analogs in astrophysics to study the extreme conditions of neutron stars and the early universe. 

For a visual breakdown of how this state of matter is achieved by trapping and cooling atoms using lasers and magnetic fields:

Nobel Laureate explains Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)

...or Quantum Time?