ISSN:
1573-7357
Keywords:
67.80.Mg
;
61.72.Ji
;
61.72.Hh
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract We describe experiments on the properties of bcc3He —4 He solid mixtures on the melting curve between 0.5K and 1.9K. In this paper we focus on effects related to the presence of thermal vacancies. First, we used NMR to image the3He distribution within the solid in equilibrium with the superfluid, as well as its T1 and t2. The most surprising result was that above about 1K, vacancy related motion of3He atoms in the solid becomes faster than in the liquid. To check the macroscopic aspects of this motion, we used the vibrating wire technique to look at plastic flow of the bcc solid phase, by moving the wire through the crystal. The temperature dependence of the plastic flow velocity indicates that the vacancy population in the bcc solid behaves like a viscous fluid. The extent to which the vacancy population causes the solid to have liquid like properties is best demonstrated through optical observations of the distillation of3He atoms out of the crystal, which takes place via formation of fluid bubbles within the solid, which then percolate into the liquid, creating a vivid impression of boiling.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00754574
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