Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > A New Device for Studying Low or Zero Frequency...
View graph of relations

A New Device for Studying Low or Zero Frequency Mechanical Motion at Very Low Temperatures

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>11/2011
<mark>Journal</mark>Journal of Low Temperature Physics
Issue number3-4
Volume165
Number of pages17
Pages (from-to)114-131
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

We have developed a new "floppy wire" device for studying the motion through quantum fluids and solids at very low temperatures. The device is particularly well suited for producing large amplitudes of motion, for measuring drag forces at low frequency, and for studying "zero" frequency dynamics by measuring transient behavior. The device is very versatile and allows motion to be studied over a broad range of velocities and amplitudes. It generates negligible heat leaks and so is ideally suited for ultra low temperature experiments. The device has many potential applications in quantum fluids and solids research, including the study of drag forces at low frequencies in both the laminar and turbulent flow regimes, and the investigation of motion in (super)solid (4)He. We discuss the principles and modes of operation of the device and present some preliminary measurements in vacuum, in normal liquid (3)He and in superfluid (4)He. We also present measurements of a "floppy grid" device, which could be used for generating large volumes of quantum turbulence in superfluids at low temperatures.