Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Synthesis and Microdiffraction at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures
Published on: October 8, 2013
Supersolid helium at high pressure.
1Department of Physics, the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA. eunseong@kaist.ac.kr
This study measured the pressure dependence of the supersolid fraction in helium-4 using a torsional oscillator. The supersolid fraction was observed across a wide pressure range, peaking near 55 bar.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Supersolidity in helium-4 exhibits complex pressure-dependent behavior.
- Understanding the relationship between pressure and supersolid fraction is crucial for quantum fluid dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pressure dependence of the supersolid fraction in helium-4.
- To determine the pressure range exhibiting superflow and quantify the supersolid fraction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a torsional oscillator technique to measure the supersolid fraction.
- Performed measurements across a pressure range from 25.6 bar to 136.9 bar.
Main Results:
- Superflow was detected between 25.6 bar and 136.9 bar.
- The supersolid fraction increased from 0.6% at 25.6 bar to a maximum of 1.5% near 55 bar.
- A monotonic decrease in the supersolid fraction was observed with increasing pressure, extrapolating to zero around 170 bar.
Conclusions:
- The pressure significantly influences the supersolid fraction in helium-4.
- The observed pressure dependence provides insights into the nature of supersolidity and its phase transitions.
More Related Videos
08:42High-Sensitivity Nuclear Magnetic Resonance at Giga-Pascal Pressures: A New Tool for Probing Electronic and Chemical Properties of Condensed Matter under Extreme Conditions
Published on: October 10, 2014
06:26Achieving Moderate Pressures in Sealed Vessels Using Dry Ice As a Solid CO2 Source
Published on: August 17, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Applications of the Ideal Gas Law: Molar Mass, Density, and Volume
Noble Gases
The elements in group 18 are noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon). They earned the name “noble” because they were assumed to be nonreactive since they have filled valence shells. In 1962, Dr. Neil Bartlett at the University of British Columbia proved this assumption to be false.
Phase Diagrams
pV-Diagrams
Phase Diagram
Excess Pressure Inside a Drop and a Bubble