Direct observation of Kelvin waves excited by quantized vortex reconnection.
Quantized vortices are key features of quantum fluids such as superfluid helium and Bose-Einstein condensates. The reconnection of quantized vortices and subsequent emission of Kelvin waves along the vortices are thought to be central to dissipation in such systems. By visualizing the motion of submicron particles dispersed in superfluid (4)He, we have directly observed the emission of Kelvin waves from quantized vortex reconnection. We characterize one event in detail, using dimensionless similarity coordinates, and compare it with several theories. Finally, we give evidence for other examples of wavelike behavior in our system.
Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics and Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.
Enrico
E
Fonda
David P
DP
Meichle
Nicholas T
NT
Ouellette
Sahand
S
Hormoz
Daniel P
DP
Lathrop
cascade; topological defects; turbulence