Interaction between active particles and quantum vortices leading to Kelvin wave generation

Area of Science:

• Quantum fluid dynamics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Superfluids exhibit topological defects called quantum vortices with quantized circulation.
• Particles are crucial experimental tools for visualizing and studying quantum vortex dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically and numerically investigate the attractive interaction between particles and quantized vortices in superfluids at low temperatures.
• To develop and validate a reduced model for particle-vortex interactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a self-consistent model based on the 3D Gross-Pitaevskii (GP) equation.
• Described particles as localized potentials following Newtonian dynamics.
• Derived an analytical reduced central-force model and compared it with GP simulations.

Main Results:

• The derived central-force model is consistent with GP simulations.
• The generalized model reproduces the formation of a cusp on vortex filaments during particle approach.
• Particles were shown to excite Kelvin waves on vortex filaments via resonance, even from a distance.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a validated theoretical framework for understanding particle-quantized vortex interactions.
• The findings offer insights into vortex filament deformations and the excitation of Kelvin waves.
• This research contributes to the study of quantum hydrodynamics and superfluid phenomena.