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Novel methods to create multielectron bubbles in superfluid helium
J Fang1, Anatoly E Dementyev, J Tempere
1Lyman Laboratory of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|April 5, 2011
Summary
Researchers explored multielectron bubbles (MEBs) in liquid helium, revealing insights into their creation and discharge mechanisms. A novel extraction method allows for further study of these unique electron gas structures.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Quantum fluids
Background:
- Multielectron bubbles (MEBs) in liquid helium are intriguing systems featuring a spherical two-dimensional electron gas.
- Understanding MEB stability and creation is crucial for exploring their unique quantum properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate two distinct methods of creating multielectron bubbles in liquid helium.
- To analyze the discharge mechanisms of MEBs in a cylindrical cell.
- To develop a novel method for extracting and studying MEBs.
Main Methods:
- Analytical investigation of MEB discharge via tunneling.
- Experimental extraction of MEBs from a vapor sheath using high electric fields (up to 15 kV/cm).
- High-speed video photography and charge measurement of extracted MEBs.
Main Results:
- Analytical explanation for the short lifetime of MEBs in a cylindrical cell due to tunneling discharge.
- Successful extraction of MEBs using a novel electric field method.
- Measurement of significant charges (up to 1.6x10^-9 C, ~10^10 electrons) on extracted MEBs.
Conclusions:
- Tunneling is identified as a key discharge mechanism for certain MEB configurations.
- A new experimental technique enables the capture and study of high-charge MEBs.
- This method opens avenues for detailed investigation of MEB properties in electromagnetic traps.
