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Evidence for a superglass state in solid 4He
1Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 2, 2009
Summary
Researchers studied solid helium-4 (4He) dynamics, observing ultraslow, synchronized relaxation in its supersolid state. These glassy dynamics challenge existing models, suggesting a new supersolid form controlled by excitations.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Solid helium-4 (4He) is a candidate for a supersolid state, exhibiting frictionless flow.
- However, observed phenomena in solid 4He present complexities beyond standard supersolid theory.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relaxation dynamics of resonance frequency and dissipation in solid 4He.
- Characterize the nature of the observed ultraslow evolution toward equilibrium.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a torsional oscillator to measure resonance frequency f(T) and dissipation D(T) in solid 4He.
- Analyzed relaxation times and dynamics using generalized rotational susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Observed rapid increases in relaxation times for both f(T) and D(T) upon entering the supersolid state.
- Detected complex, synchronized ultraslow relaxation processes in both dissipation and a component of frequency.
- Found quantitative inconsistencies with simple excitation freeze-out models due to large variations in frequency.
Conclusions:
- The observed glassy dynamics in solid 4He are inconsistent with simple freeze-out transitions.
- Amorphous solid 4He may represent a novel supersolid phase.
- Dynamical excitations within the solid could be controlling the superfluid phase stiffness.
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