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Interface motion and nucleation of solid helium-4 induced by acoustic waves
1Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1, O-okayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan. nomura@ap.titech.ac.jp
Physical Review Letters
|March 14, 2003
Summary
Acoustic radiation pressure induces helium-4 crystallization and melting. Researchers observed anomalous temperature-dependent reversals and crystal nucleation via acoustic waves, with interface velocities reaching 1 m/sec.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- The behavior of helium-4 at low temperatures is crucial for understanding quantum fluids.
- Acoustic radiation pressure can influence phase transitions in liquids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of helium-4 crystallization and melting by acoustic radiation pressure.
- To analyze the anomalous temperature-dependent reversal of this effect.
- To study acoustic nucleation of crystals and bubbles.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of helium-4 crystallization and melting.
- Utilizing acoustic radiation pressure to induce phase transitions.
- Employing a high-speed camera for in situ interface velocity measurements.
Main Results:
- Acoustic radiation pressure was confirmed to induce crystallization and melting of helium-4.
- An anomalous reversal of the acoustic effect was observed as a function of temperature.
- Nucleation of crystals in the liquid or bubbles in the solid phase by acoustic wave pulses was observed.
- Interface velocities up to 1 m/sec were recorded.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic radiation pressure is a significant factor in helium-4 phase transitions.
- The observed anomalous effect highlights complex interactions at the liquid-solid interface.
- Acoustic waves can effectively nucleate phase changes in helium-4.