Superfluidity, a liquid exhibiting frictionless flow, is so far limited to observations in low-temperature 3He and 4He, where the underlying mechanisms governing the quantum state are complex and different for each isotope, making for a fascinating but challenging phenomenon to study experimentally. The authors use isotope-sensitive neutron reflectometry to investigate mixed 3He/4He superfluid He films on a Si surface, and resolve the structural features and phase transitions that occur with changing temperature.
- Oleg Kirichek
- Christopher R. Lawson
- Peter V. E. McClintock