Landau critical velocity in Helium-3

In summary, the Landau critical velocity in Helium-3 is the maximum speed at which superfluid helium-3 can flow without experiencing any resistance or viscosity. This critical velocity is caused by the formation of quantized vortices and is an important factor in determining the behavior of helium-3. It can vary depending on the type of helium-3 and is measured in experiments using rotating cylinders or vibrating wire techniques.
  • #1
andbe
1
0
Hello,

If we first consider Helium-4 we can calculate the critical velocity via
[itex]\frac{d\epsilon(p)}{dp}=\frac{\epsilon(p)}{p}[/itex] where [itex]\epsilon(p)=\frac{(p-p_0)^2}{2\mu}+\Delta[/itex] is the dispersion relation for roton excitations in Helium-4.
Putting in the constants [itex]\mu=0.164 m_4[/itex] is the effective mass, [itex]\Delta/k_B=8.64[/itex]K, [itex]p_0/\hbar=19.1[/itex]nm you get roughly [itex]v_c=59.3[/itex]m/s.

Now I want to do the same calculation for Helium-3 but can't find the values of the constants for Helium-3, if rotons even exists for Helium-3?

What is the dispersion relation for Helium-3? Taking inspiration from superconductivity and the BCS-theory I'm thinking that there will be an energy gap here as well, i.e. no phonon region as for Helium-4, but it's hard to find information about this. Can anyone point me in the correct direction? I'm mostly interested in drawing some conclusions about the critical velocity of Helium-3 from the calculation above, if it is even possible...

Regards,
Andreas
 
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  • #2


Hello Andreas,

Thank you for your question. The dispersion relation for Helium-3 is different from that of Helium-4 because the two isotopes have different properties. Unlike Helium-4, Helium-3 does not have roton excitations. Instead, it has phonon excitations which are responsible for superfluidity in Helium-3.

The dispersion relation for phonon excitations in Helium-3 is given by \epsilon(p)=\sqrt{\frac{p^2}{2m_3}\left(\frac{p^2}{2m_3}+2\Delta\right)} where m_3 is the effective mass of Helium-3 and \Delta is the energy gap. The values for these constants can be found in various research papers and textbooks on Helium-3.

As for the critical velocity of Helium-3, it is difficult to calculate using the same method as Helium-4 because of the absence of roton excitations. However, it has been experimentally determined to be around 40 m/s. This value may vary depending on the temperature and pressure of the system.

I hope this helps in your calculations. Good luck with your research!
 

FAQ: Landau critical velocity in Helium-3

1. What is the Landau critical velocity in Helium-3?

The Landau critical velocity in Helium-3 is the maximum speed at which superfluid helium-3 can flow without experiencing any resistance or viscosity.

2. What causes the Landau critical velocity in Helium-3?

The Landau critical velocity is caused by the formation of quantized vortices in the superfluid helium-3. These vortices are created when the fluid reaches a certain velocity, causing it to transition from a superfluid state to a normal fluid state.

3. How does the Landau critical velocity affect the behavior of helium-3?

The Landau critical velocity is an important factor in determining the behavior of helium-3. It is a fundamental property of the superfluid and plays a role in its transport properties, such as heat transfer and flow dynamics.

4. Is the Landau critical velocity the same for all types of helium-3?

No, the Landau critical velocity can vary depending on the type of helium-3. The isotope and temperature of the helium-3 can affect its superfluid properties, including the critical velocity.

5. How is the Landau critical velocity measured in Helium-3 experiments?

The Landau critical velocity is typically measured in experiments using a rotating cylinder or a vibrating wire technique. These methods allow for the observation of the transition from superfluid to normal fluid states and the determination of the critical velocity.

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