Experimental study of the interface between normal and superfluid helium-4
Abstract
An experimental study of aspects of the interface between super-fluid and normal-fluid $\sp4$He is presented. In a homogeneous sample of $\sp4$He these two phases do not coexist. However, the inhomogeneity produced by a gravitational field or by a heat current can lead to such coexistence, and thus to the presence of an interface. In many cases the spatial extent of this interface is quite small, typically of order 0.1 mm. We have therefore developed a novel thin film thermal sensor which gives very good spatial resolution for use in these experiments. The design and operation of the sensor is described, along with the results of studies of the interface in the heat current dominated regime.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Giordano, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Condensation
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