The stability of drops made of ${}^3\mathrm{He}$ atoms is studied by means of a Monte Carlo variational method using wave functions with good angular momentum quantum numbers. The number of constituents considered is in the range 34–40. It is found that the minimal bound drop requires 35 atoms (perhaps 34) and that the preferred wave function must have the maximum spin.

• Received 12 April 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.62.3416