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At least 217 records · Page 12

Observation of the critical velocity peak in superfluid films

Critical flow velocities measured by Doppler-shifted third sound in unsaturated helium II films are shown to exhibit a well-defined maximum as a function of film thickness and at this maximum to be considerably higher than those usually found in film flow. In addition the critical velocity is strongly temperature dependent below the maximum and relatively temperature independent above.

Telschow, K.↗

Effect of polarization on superfluidity in low density neutron matter

The singlet-state quasi-particle interaction in neutron matter is examined on the basis of results of a detailed evaluation of the Landau Fermi-liquid parameters for pure neutron effects, including polarization effects. This means that the interaction induced by exchange of density and spin-density excitations is taken into account. It is shown that polarization actually works to suppress the pairing matrix elements, owing to the spin dependence of the quasi-particle interaction and, ultimately, the balance of attraction, repulsion, and spin dependence in the fundamental two-neutron interaction. Since the isotropic energy gap and the condensation energy in low-density neutron-star matter are extremely sensitive functions of the pairing matrix elements, they will also be suppressed by the polarizability of the neutron medium.

Clark, J. W.↗

Sensor for distinguishing liquid-vapor phases of superfluid helium

A small, high-accuracy, rapid-response, low-power-dissipation sensor used in determining the distribution of the liquid and vapor phases of helium in a rocket-borne cryogenic cooler is described. The device, which consists of a 6 mm constantan wire coated for about two-thirds of its length with a superconductor alloy, operates on the basis of the coating's alternation between superconductivity (during immersion in the fluid) and a normal resistive state (during immersion in the vapor). The sensor's response time upon shift from one environment to the other is found to be less than 10 milliseconds. Details of design criteria, and installation of an array of sensors in a flight dewar are also given.

Petrac, D.↗

Vacuum-ultraviolet laser uses superfluid helium

Vacuum ultra violet laser in wavelength around 0.800 microns is produced by using optical pumping to increase lifetimes of excited metastable molecules in super fluid helium. In method, super fluid helium is pumped electronically to produce excited HE2, and then pumped by circularly polarized 0.9096 - micron radiation to aline excited HE2 molecular spins. High power ultraviolet radiation has potential applications in molecular reaction studies, power transmission in space, and biomedical research.

Zmuidzinas, J. S.↗

Top-off procedure for space-bound superfluid helium cryostats

Tests have been carried out on the transfer of pressurized liquid helium, slightly above the lambda temperature, in order to determine the optimum transfer parameters for a ground-based top-off just prior to launch. It is shown that the maximum mass fill of a spaceborne cryostat can be accomplished with the low-pressure top-off after initial fill with normal helium. The realistic maximum fill at temperatures below the lambda temperature can be expected to be at least 90 percent, which results in about 40 to 50 percent more mass at launch than without the top-off. In each case, specific ground support equipment is required to satisfy the individual cryostat requirements and extreme care is necessary during the transfer procedure.

Petrac, D.↗

Superfluid helium 2 liquid-vapor phase separation: Technology assessment

A literature survey of helium 2 liquid vapor phase separation is presented. Currently, two types of He 2 phase separators are being investigated: porous, sintered metal plugs and the active phase separator. The permeability K(P) shows consistency in porous plug geometric characterization. Both the heat and mass fluxes increase with K(P). Downstream pressure regulation to adjust for varying heat loads and both temperatures is possible. For large dynamic heat loads, the active phase separator shows a maximum heat rejection rate of up to 2 W and bath temperature stability of 0.1 mK. Porous plug phase separation performance should be investigated for application to SIRTF and, in particular, that plugs of from 10 to the minus ninth square centimeters to 10 to the minus eighth square centimeters in conjunction with downstream pressure regulation be studied.

Lee, J. M.↗