M. W. Ray

Observation of mass transport through solid 4He

By use of a novel experimental design, one that provides for superfluid helium in contact with bulk hcp 4He off the melting curve, we have observed the DC transport of mass through a cell filled with solid 4He in the hcp region of the phase diagram. Flow, which shows characteristics of a superflow, is seen to be independent of the method used to grow the solid, but depends on pressure and temperature. The temperature dependence suggests the possibility of hysteresis.

Mass flow through solid 4He induced by the fountain effect

Using an apparatus that allows superfluid liquid 4He to be in contact with hcp solid \4he at pressures greater than the bulk melting pressure of the solid, we have performed experiments that show evidence for 4He mass flux through the solid and the likely presence of superfluid inside the solid. We present results that show that a thermomechanical equilibrium in quantitative agreement with the fountain effect exists between two liquid reservoirs connected to each other through two superfluid-filled Vycor rods in series with a chamber filled with solid 4He. We use the thermomechanical effect to induce flow through the solid and measure the flow rate. On cooling, mass flux appears near T = 600 mK and rises smoothly as the temperature is lowered. Near T = 75 mK a sharp drop in the flux is present. The flux increases as the temperature is reduced below 75 mK. We comment on possible causes of this flux minimum.

Growth of solid hcp H 4 e from the superfluid

We report studies of the growth of solid hcp \4he at pressures higher than the bulk freezing pressure using a cell design that allows us to inject atoms into the solid. Near the melting curve during injection we observe random events during which the pressure recorded in the cell drops abruptly. These events are accompanied by transient increases in the temperature of the cell. We discuss these transients and conclude that they represent the solidification of meta-stable liquid regions and the associated relief of strain in the local solid. We also observe that further from the melting curve the transients are no longer recorded, but that we can continue to add atoms to the solid, increasing its density at fixed volume. We document these changes in density with respect to changes in the chemical potential as a function of temperature and discuss these in the context of recent theoretical work.

Observation of mass flux through hcp 4He off the melting curve

Solid hcp 4He has been created off the melting curve using two growth techniques. In an effort to observe the flow of 4He through the solid, rather than squeezing the solid directly, the experimental apparatus allows injection of 4He atoms from superfluid in porous Vycor directly into the solid. We will describe the apparatus and our observations. Evidence for the transport of mass through a sample cell filled with hcp solid 4He off the melting curve is found. The temperature and pressure dependence of this behavior will be presented.