Visualization of quantum turbulence

We describe a technique, using thin lines of triplet-state $\mathrm{He}_{2}^{*}$ molecular tracers created by femtosecond-laser field ionization of helium atoms, for visualizing the flow of the normal fluid in superfluid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ , together with its application to thermal counterflow in a channel. We show that, at relatively small velocities, where the superfluid is already turbulent, the flow of the normal fluid remains laminar, but with a distorted velocity profile, while at a higher velocity there is a transition to turbulence. The form of the structure function in this turbulent state differs significantly from that found in types of conventional turbulence. This visualization technique also promises to be applicable to other fluid dynamical problems involving cryogenic helium.We describe a technique, using thin lines of triplet-state $\mathrm{He}_{2}^{*}$ molecular tracers created by femtosecond-laser field ionization of helium atoms, for visualizing the flow of the normal fluid in superfluid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$, together with its application to thermal counterflow in a channel. We show that, at relatively small velocities, where the superfluid is already turbulent, the flow of the normal fluid remains laminar, but with a distorted velocity profile, while at a higher velocity there is a transition to turbulence. The form of the structure function in this turbulent state differs significantly from that found in types of conventional turbulence. This visualization technique also promises to be applicable to other fluid dynamical problems involving cryogenic helium.

arXiv:1412.1890Physical Review BMar 6, 201599 citations

Numerical simulation of quantum turbulence

Makoto Tsubota

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyMar 16, 20160 citations

Motion of vortex ring with tracer particles in superfluid helium

Carlo F. Barenghi, Yu. A. Sergeev

Recent experiments on quantum turbulence in superfluid helium made use of small tracer particles to track the motion of quantized vortices, determine velocity statistics and visualize vortex reconnections. A problem with this visualization technique is that it may change the turbulent flow which it visualizes. To address this problem, we derive and solve the equations of motion of a quantized vortex ring which contains a given number of particles trapped on the vortex core, hence derive a quantitative criterion to determine in which measure small particles trapped in quantized vortices affect vortex motion. Finally we apply the criterion to a recent experiment.Recent experiments on quantum turbulence in superfluid helium made use of small tracer particles to track the motion of quantized vortices, determine velocity statistics and visualize vortex reconnections. A problem with this visualization technique is that it may change the turbulent flow which it visualizes. To address this problem, we derive and solve the equations of motion of a quantized vortex ring which contains a given number of particles trapped on the vortex core, hence derive a quantitative criterion to determine in which measure small particles trapped in quantized vortices affect vortex motion. Finally we apply the criterion to a recent experiment.

arXiv:0905.4797Physical Review BJul 23, 200915 citations

We describe a technique, using thin lines of triplet-state

\mathrm{He}_{2}^{*}

molecular tracers created by femtosecond-laser field ionization of helium atoms, for visualizing the flow of the normal fluid in superfluid

^{4}\mathrm{He}

, together with its application to thermal counterflow in a channel. We show that, at relatively small velocities, where the superfluid is already turbulent, the flow of the normal fluid remains laminar, but with a distorted velocity profile, while at a higher velocity there is a transition to turbulence. The form of the structure function in this turbulent state differs significantly from that found in types of conventional turbulence. This visualization technique also promises to be applicable to other fluid dynamical problems involving cryogenic helium.