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First Observation of Bright Solitons in Bulk Superfluid ^{4}He
Francesco Ancilotto1, David Levy2, Jessica Pimentel3
1Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia "Galileo Galilei" and CNISM, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 8, 35122 Padova, Italy and CNR-IOM Democritos, via Bonomea, 265-34136 Trieste, Italy.
Physical Review Letters
|February 6, 2018
Summary
Bright solitons in superfluid helium-4 were observed using advanced imaging and calculations. These nonlinear waves exhibit unique properties like stable propagation and minimal interaction, confirming theoretical predictions.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Fluids
Background:
- Superfluid helium-4 exhibits unique quantum phenomena.
- Nonlinear wave dynamics in superfluids are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate the existence of bright solitons in bulk superfluid helium-4.
- To characterize the properties of these bright solitons.
Main Methods:
- Time-resolved shadowgraph imaging experiments.
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Main Results:
- Bright solitons were observed after initial liquid compression from laser ablation.
- Solitons showed dispersionless propagation and negligible interaction in collisions.
- A direct relationship between soliton amplitude and velocity was confirmed.
- DFT calculations supported the experimental findings of soliton formation.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the existence and key characteristics of bright solitons in superfluid helium-4.
- High-amplitude solitons were found to be unstable, breaking down into dispersive shock waves.
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