Three-dimensional experimental study of a quantum fluid: What is the dynamic of the quantum vortex? – 3D-QuantumV

In 2006, a team of American researchers has discovered how to trap micron-size particles on the core of these vortices. Therefore, we can now study their dynamics using imagery based measurement techniques. The research project is to adapt the three-dimensional Lagrangian Particle Tracking (3D-LPT), cutting edge technology developed in standard fluid mechanic, to the experimental study of these quantum vortices.

I propose a series of experimental setups that will allow us to probe the properties of quantum vortex tangles of different number density. These experiments will help us understand the dynamic of this peculiar object together with the interactions vortex/vortex, vortex/particle, while varying the proportion fluid/superfluid.

The prospects of this project focus on the dynamics of superfluids used eg to cool the superconducting magnets of the LHC at CERN. The results we expect may help to optimize these cooling circuits. More generally, the study of «quantum turbulence« (dense tangle of quantum vortices), included in this project, can by quantitative comparison with the classical case help to advance our knowledge of classical turbulence that have numerous applications in many areas (thanks to fundamental differences at small scales of these two flows).

Work in progress…

While liquefying the most common helium isotope at a temperature below 2.17K, a very uncommon liquid phase called HeII appears. This phase is made of the superposition of a normal and a superfluid that interact through mutual friction between the normal fluid and the quantum vortices that are “carrying” the vorticity of the superfluid. In 2006, a team of American researchers has discovered how to trap micron-size particles on the core of these vortices. Therefore, we can now study their dynamics using imagery based measurement techniques. The research project that I would like to develop in the Institut Néel (Grenoble) is to adapt the three-dimensional Lagrangian Particle Tracking (3D-LPT), cutting edge technology developed in standard fluid mechanic, to the experimental study of these quantum vortices. I propose a serie of experimental setups that will allow us to probe the properties of quantum vortex tangles of different number density. These experiments will help us understand the dynamic of this peculiar object together with the interactions vortex/vortex, vortex/particle, while varying the proportion fluid/superfluid.