Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “SUPERFLUIDITY”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 505 records · Page 28

Exact evaluation of large-charge correlation functions in nonrelativistic conformal field theory

The large-charge master field which generates all n -point correlation functions with an insertion of large charge Q in nonrelativistic conformal field theory is obtained. This field is used to compute Schrödinger-invariant n -point correlation functions of large-charge operators via a direct evaluation of the path integral. Conformal dimensions are found to agree with calculations based on the state-operator correspondence. The master field solution exhibits an emergent harmonic trap whose frequency is a function of the Euclidean time. The large-charge effective action with operator insertions describes a droplet of superfluid matter whose spatial size scales with the time separation of sources. The solution is used to compute Schrödinger symmetry breaking corrections in the large-charge effective field theory (EFT) due to a finite scattering length in the fundamental theory of fermions near unitarity. The scaling of these effects in the large-charge power counting scheme is established, and the size of the effects is quantified using input from quantum Monte Carlo simulations of the near-unitary gas, as well as from the large- N expansion at large charge. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Observation of Universal Quench Dynamics and Townes Soliton Formation from Modulational Instability in Two-Dimensional Bose Gases

We experimentally study universal nonequilibrium dynamics of two-dimensional atomic Bose gases quenched from repulsive to attractive interactions. Here, we observe the manifestation of modulational instability that, instead of causing collapse, fragments a large two-dimensional superfluid into multiple wave packets universally around a threshold atom number necessary for the formation of Townes solitons. We confirm that the density distributions of quench-induced solitary waves are in excellent agreement with the stationary Townes profiles. Furthermore, our density measurements in the space and time domain reveal detailed information about this dynamical process, from the hyperbolic growth of density waves, the formation of solitons, to the subsequent collision and collapse dynamics, demonstrating multiple universal behaviors in an attractive many-body system in association with the formation of a quasistationary state.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Emergence of a Spin Microemulsion in Spin-Orbit Coupled Bose-Einstein Condensates

We report the first numerical prediction of a “spin microemulsion”—a phase with undulating spin domains resembling classical bicontinuous oil-water-surfactant emulsions—in two-dimensional systems of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates with isotropic Rashba spin-orbit coupling. Using field-theoretic numerical simulations, we investigated the melting of a low-temperature stripe phase with supersolid character and find that the stripes lose their superfluidity at elevated temperature and undergo a Kosterlitz-Thouless-like transition into a spin microemulsion. Momentum distribution calculations highlight a thermally broadened occupation of the Rashba circle of low-energy states with macroscopic and isotropic occupation around the ring. Here, we provide a finite-temperature phase diagram that positions the emulsion as an intermediate, structured isotropic phase with residual quantum character before transitioning at higher temperature into a structureless normal fluid.

Finite temperature field theory↗

Synthesis and magnetic properties of the Shastry-Sutherland family R 2 Be 2 SiO 7 ( R = Nd , Sm , Gd-Yb )

Compounds forming the quasi-two-dimensional Shastry-Sutherland lattice (SSL) have attracted significant experimental and theoretical attention in the field of frustrated magnetism. This is primarily due to their realization of an exactly soluble J 1 –J 2 orthogonal dimer model capable of hosting magnetic order, dimer singlet, and plaquette singlet phases in zero applied field and their complex magnetic phase diagrams with fractional magnetization plateaus and possible superfluid and supersolid phases found between the plateau states. The discovery and characterization of SSL compounds based on rare-earth magnetic ions provide a direct route to study the stability and properties of these exotic magnetic phases in systems with a variety of different magnetic anisotropies. In this paper, we discuss the synthesis and magnetic characterization of polycrystalline samples of the R 2 ⁢Be 2 ⁢SiO 7 family, where R=Nd, Sm, and Gd-Yb. All family members crystallize in the space group $P\bar{⁢4}⁢2_1⁢m$ (113) and show no signs of long-range magnetic order above 2 K, except for R=Tb which orders antiferromagnetically at 2.6 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tunneling spectroscopy in superconducting circuit lattices

We demonstrate tunneling spectroscopy of synthetic quantum matter in superconducting circuit lattices. We measure site-resolved excitation spectra by coupling the lattice to engineered driven-dissipative particle baths that serve as local tunneling probes. Using incoherent particle source and drain, we independently extract quasiparticle and quasihole spectra and reconstruct the spatial structure of collective excitations. We perform spectroscopy of a strongly interacting Bose-Hubbard lattice to measure changes in energy spectra for superfluid and Mott-insulator states at different densities and observe the effects of three-body interactions. Our results provide a toolset for characterizing many-body states in analog quantum simulators. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Du, Botao (ORCID:0009000363386414)↗

Quenching through the QCD chiral phase transition

We present a detailed numerical and analytical study of the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of Model G, the dynamical universality class relevant to the chiral phase transition. We perform numerical 3D stochastic (Langevin) simulations of the 𝑂⁡(4) critical point for large lattices in the chiral limit. We quench the system from the high-temperature unbroken phase to the broken phase and study the nonequilibrium dynamics of pion fields. Strikingly, the nonequilibrium evolution of the two-point functions exhibits a regime of growth, a parametrically large enhancement, and a subsequent slow relaxation to equilibrium. We analyze our numerical results using dynamic critical scaling and mean-field theory. The growth of the two-point functions is determined by the nonlinear dynamics of an ideal non-Abelian superfluid, which is a limit of Model G that reflects the broken chiral symmetry. We also relate the nonequilibrium two-point functions to a long-lived parametric enhancement of soft pion yields relative to thermal equilibrium following a quench.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Coulomb Interaction-Driven Entanglement of Electrons on Helium

The generation and evolution of entanglement in many-body systems is an active area of research that spans multiple fields, from quantum information science to the simulation of quantum many-body systems encountered in condensed matter, subatomic physics, and quantum chemistry. Motivated by recent experiments exploring quantum information processing systems with electrons trapped above the surface of cryogenic noble gas substrates, we theoretically investigate the generation of entanglement between two electrons via their unscreened Coulomb interaction. The model system consists of two electrons confined in separate electrostatic traps that establish microwave-frequency quantized states of their motion. We compute the motional energy spectra of the electrons, as well as their entanglement, by diagonalizing the model Hamiltonian with respect to a single-particle Hartree product basis. We also compare our results with the predictions of an effective Hamiltonian. The computational procedure outlined here can be employed for device design and guidance of experimental implementations. In particular, the theoretical tools developed here can be used for fine-tuning and optimization of control parameters in future experiments with electrons trapped above the surface of superfluid helium or solid neon. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗

High-voltage and electrode system for a cryogenic experiment to search for the neutron electric dipole moment

The cryogenic approach to the search for the neutron electric dipole moment—performing the experiment in superfluid liquid helium—holds promise for a substantial increase in sensitivity, potentially enabling a sensitivity level of 10 −28 𝑒cm. A crucial component in realizing such an experiment is the high-voltage and electrode system capable of providing an electric field of 75 kV/cm. This, in turn, requires an electric potential of 635 kV to be applied to the high-voltage electrode, while simultaneously satisfying other experimental constraints, such as those on heat load and magnetic noise requirements. In this work, we describe the outcome of a comprehensive development program addressing these challenges. It outlines the system requirements, discusses new insights into relevant physical phenomena, and details selected technical solutions with their corresponding experimental demonstrations and expected performance. The results collectively demonstrate the successful development of the necessary technology for the high-voltage and electrode system for this approach.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Supercooled Goldstone Bosons at the QCD Chiral Phase Transition

We discuss a universal nonequilibrium enhancement of long-wavelength Goldstone bosons induced by quenches to the broken phase in Model G—the dynamical universality class of an 𝑂⁡(4) antiferromagnet and the chiral phase transition in QCD. Scaling arguments for the coarsening dynamics describing the formation of the chiral condensate predict a parametric enhancement in the infrared spectra of Goldstone bosons, a prediction confirmed by stochastic simulations of the transition. The details of the enhancement are determined by the nonlinear dynamics of a superfluid effective theory, which is a limit of Model G reflecting the broken 𝑂⁡(4) symmetry. Our results translate to a parametric enhancement of low-momentum pions in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC, which are underpredicted in current hydrodynamic models without critical dynamics.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Characterization of NbTi busbar for HL LHC Interaction Region Quadrupoles

The US Accelerator Upgrade for the HiLumi-LHC (US-HL-LHC AUP) project and CERN are designing and fabricating superconducting quadrupole magnets for the interaction regions of the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HLLHC). The triplet is made of three optical elements: Q1, Q2, and Q3. The Nb3Sn quadrupole magnets operate in superfluid He at 1.9 K with a nominal field gradient of 132.6 T/m. The three inner triplet elements are connected together with superconducting buses. The design and fabrication of the through and local buses is carried out at Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology Division (APS-TD) at Fermilab (FNAL). This paper reports the characterization of the bus-bar thermoelectric properties. The bus was tested with a short Nb3Sn magnet (MQXFS1e) in the vertical test facility of the APS-TD at FNAL. The test demonstrated that the bus design is adequate since no spontaneous quench took place up to 17.87 kA current value. Quench propagation velocities were investigated over a range of currents that is typical for accelerator superconducting magnets. Temperature margins were found above that required for the Hi- Lumi triplet bus. The design guarantees the protection of the bus at operational current value according to the quench detection voltage threshold (100 mV) established for the Hi-Lumi LHC interaction region.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Test Results of the First Two Full-Length Quadrupole Magnets for the LHC Hi Lumi Upgrade

The future high luminosity (Hi-Lumi) upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN will include eight (plus two spares) 8.4 m-long cryostatted cold masses which will be components of the triplets for two LHC insertion regions. Each cold mass will consist of two 4.2 m long Nb 3 Sn high gradient quadrupole magnets, designated MQXFA, with aperture 150 mm and operating gradient 132.6 T/m, for a total of twenty magnets. Before assembling and testing the final cold masses at Fermilab, the twenty component quadrupoles will be tested first at the ver-tical superconducting magnet test facility of the Superconducting Magnet Division at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), in superfluid He at 1.9 K and to 18.0 kA, to meet LHC operational requirements. The first two full-length prototype quadrupole magnets, MQXFAP1 and MQXFAP2, have been tested at BNL. This paper reports on the quench test and training results of these magnets, and also the retest of the first prototype, rebuilt and designated as MQXFAP1b. We note the test results of these magnets will be important for validating the MQXFA design.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Test Results of the First Pre-Series Quadrupole Magnets for the LHC Hi-Lumi Upgrade

The future high luminosity (Hi-Lumi) upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN will include eight (plus two spares) 10.2 m-long Cryo-assemblies which will be components of the triplets for two LHC insertion regions. Each cold mass in the Cryo-assemblies will consist of two 4.2 m-long Nb 3 Sn high gradient quadrupole magnets, designated MQXFA, with aperture 150 mm and operating gradient 132.2 T/m, for a total of twenty magnets. Before assembling and testing the final cold masses at Fermilab, the component quadrupoles are being tested first at the vertical superconducting magnet test facility of the Superconducting Magnet Division (SMD) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), in superfluid He at 1.9 K and up to 18.0 kA, in accordance with operational requirements of the LHC. The tests of the first two full-length prototype quadrupole magnets MQXFAP1 and MQXFAP2 at BNL have been reported previously. The first two pre-series magnets, the first two that will be used in the LHC, have also now been tested. This paper reports on the quench test and training results of these two magnets. The test results of these magnets will be important for validating the final MQXFA design for operational magnets.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Design and Construction of a High Field Cable Test Facility at Fermilab

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, together with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is building a new High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) to be situated in the Magnet Test Facility at Fermilab. The HFVMTF is jointly funded by the US DOE Offices of Science, High Energy Physics, and Fusion Energy Sciences, and will serve as a superconducting cable test facility for both communities. The background magnetic field for test samples is 15 T and will be produced by a magnet provided by LBNL operating at 1.9 K in superfluid helium. The samples will be placed in the background magnetic field, cooled to between 4.5 K and a user-specified upper limit, and will be powered with a super-conducting transformer at up to 100 kA. Additionally, this facility will be used to test high-field superconducting magnet models and demonstrators, including hybrid magnets, produced by the US Magnet Development Program. Presently, the various tasks of the project are at different stages of execution, from conceptual to ready-for-construction designs. Here, this paper describes the parameters and design status of the pit construction, cryostat, heat exchanger, lambda plate, power system, and quench protection and monitoring systems of the facility.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Aggregation of solutes in bosonic versus fermionic quantum fluids

Quantum fluid droplets made of helium-3 ( 3 He) or helium-4 ( 4 He) isotopes have long been considered as ideal cryogenic nanolabs, enabling unique ultracold chemistry and spectroscopy applications. The droplets were believed to provide a homogeneous environment in which dopant atoms and molecules could move and react almost as in free space but at temperatures close to absolute zero. Here, we report ultrafast x-ray diffraction experiments on xenon-doped 3 He and 4 He nanodroplets, demonstrating that the unavoidable rotational excitation of isolated droplets leads to highly anisotropic and inhomogeneous interactions between the host matrix and enclosed dopants. Superfluid 4 He droplets are laced with quantum vortices that trap the embedded particles, leading to the formation of filament-shaped clusters. In comparison, dopants in 3 He droplets gather in diffuse, ring-shaped structures along the equator. The shapes of droplets carrying filaments or rings are direct evidence that rotational excitation is the root cause for the inhomogeneous dopant distributions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Perfect Coulomb drag and exciton transport in an excitonic insulator

Strongly coupled electron-hole bilayers can host quantum states of interlayer excitons, such as high-temperature exciton condensates at zero magnetic field. This state is predicted to feature perfect Coulomb drag, where a current in one layer is accompanied by an equal but opposite current in the other. We used an optical technique to probe the electrical transport of correlated electron-hole bilayers based on MoSe2/hBN/WSe2 heterostructures. We observed perfect Coulomb drag in the excitonic insulator phase at low temperatures; the counterflow resistance of interlayer excitons remained finite. These results indicate the formation of an exciton gas that does not condense into a superfluid. Our work demonstrates that dynamic optical spectroscopy provides a powerful tool for probing exciton transport behavior in correlated electron-hole fluids.

Qi, Ruishi↗

Probing ab initio emergence of nuclear rotation

Structural phenomena in nuclei, from shell structure and clustering to superfluidity and collective rotations and vibrations, reflect emergent degrees of freedom. Ab initio theory describes nuclei directly from a fully microscopic formulation. We can therefore look to ab initio theory as a means of exploring the emergence of effective degrees of freedom in nuclei. For the illustrative case of emergent rotational bands in the $Be$ isotopes, we establish an understanding of the underlying oscillator space and angular momentum (orbital and spin) structure. We consider no-core configuration interaction (NCCI) calculations for 7, 9, 11 Be with the Daejeon16 internucleon interaction. Although shell model or rotational degrees of freedom are not assumed in the ab initio theory, the NCCI results are suggestive of the emergence of effective shell model degrees of freedom (0$\hbar$ω and 2$\hbar$ω excitations) and LS-scheme rotational degrees of freedom, consistent with an Elliott–Wilsdon SU(3) description. Finally, these results provide some basic insight into the connection between emergent effective collective rotational and shell model degrees of freedom in these light nuclei and the underlying ab initio microscopic description.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

ADG: automated generation and evaluation of many-body diagrams

The goal of the present paper is twofold. First, a novel expansion many-body method applicable to superfluid open-shell nuclei, the so-called Bogoliubov in-medium similarity renormalization group (BIMSRG) theory, is formulated. This generalization of standard single-reference IMSRG theory for closed-shell systems parallels the recent extensions of coupled cluster, self-consistent Green’s function or many-body perturbation theory. Within the realm of IMSRG theories, BIMSRG provides an interesting alternative to the already existing multi-reference IMSRG (MR-IMSRG) method applicable to open-shell nuclei. The algebraic equations for low-order approximations, i.e., BIMSRG(1) and BIMSRG(2), can be derived manually without much difficulty. However, such a methodology becomes already impractical and error prone for the derivation of the BIMSRG(3) equations, which are eventually needed to reach high accuracy. Based on a diagrammatic formulation of BIMSRG theory, the second objective of the present paper is thus to describe the third version (v3.0) of the code that automatically (1) generates all valid BIMSRG(n) diagrams and (2) evaluates their algebraic expressions in a matter of seconds. This is achieved in such a way that equations can easily be retrieved for both the flow equation and the Magnus expansion formulations of BIMSRG. Expanding on this work, the first future objective is to numerically implement BIMSRG(2) (eventually BIMSRG(3)) equations and perform ab initio calculations of mid-mass open-shell nuclei.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov mass models on a 3D mesh: III. From atomic nuclei to neutron stars

Here, we present BSkG3, the latest entry in the Brussels-Skyrme-on-a-grid series of large-scale models of nuclear structure based on an energy density functional. Compared to its predecessors, the new model offers a more realistic description of nucleonic matter at the extreme densities relevant to neutron stars. This achievement is made possible by incorporating a constraint on the infinite nuclear matter properties at high densities in the parameter adjustment, ensuring in this way that the predictions of BSkG3 for the nuclear Equation of State are compatible with the observational evidence for heavy pulsars with M > 2M ⊙ . Instead of the usual phenomenological pairing terms, we also employ a more microscopically founded treatment of nucleon pairing, resulting in extrapolations to high densities that are in line with the predictions of advanced many-body methods and are hence more suited to the study of superfluidity in neutron stars. By adopting an extended form of the Skyrme functional, we are able to reconcile the description of matter at high densities and at saturation density: the new model further refines the description of atomic nuclei offered by its predecessors. A qualitative improvement is our inclusion of ground state reflection asymmetry, in addition to the spontaneous breaking of rotational, axial, and time-reversal symmetry. Quantitatively, the model offers lowered root-mean-square deviations on 2457 masses (0.631 MeV), 810 charge radii (0.0237 fm) and an unmatched accuracy with respect to 45 primary fission barriers of actinide nuclei (0.33 MeV). Reconciling the complexity of neutron stars with those of atomic nuclei establishes BSkG3 as a tool of choice for applications to nuclear structure, the nuclear equation of state and nuclear astrophysics in general.

Physics↗