Competition between Thermal Fluctuations and Disorder in the Crystallization of He4 in Aerogel

Ryuji Nomura, Aiko Osawa, Tomohiro Mimori, Ken-ichi Ueno, Haruko Kato, and Yuichi Okuda
Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 175703 – Published 23 October 2008
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Abstract

The dynamical transition in the crystallization of He4 in aerogel has been investigated by direct visualization and dynamical phase diagrams have been determined. The crystal-superfluid interface in aerogel advances via creep at high temperatures and avalanches at low temperatures. The transition temperature is higher at a higher interface velocity and lower in higher porosity aerogels. The transition is due to competition between thermal fluctuations and disorder for the crystallization process.

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  • Received 25 July 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.175703

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Ryuji Nomura, Aiko Osawa, Tomohiro Mimori, Ken-ichi Ueno, Haruko Kato, and Yuichi Okuda

  • Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 O-okayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8551, Japan

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Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 17 — 24 October 2008

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