Quantized Vortices in Helium II

This book discusses the properties of quantized vortex lines in superfluid helium-4 in the light of research on vortices in modern fluid mechanics, and gives the first comprehensive treatment of the problem.

Russell J. Donnelly (Author)

9780521018142, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 August 2005

368 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.565 kg

"...a fine book and a strong contribution to Cambridge University Press's new series in low-temperature physics. It is an important addition to the literature of liquid helium and certainly required and valuable reading for anyone interested in vorticity in superfluid helium." Robert Hallock, Physics Today

This book discusses the properties of quantized vortex lines in superfluid helium-4 in the light of research on vortices in modern fluid mechanics, and gives the first comprehensive treatment of the problem. The author begins with a review of the knowledge of classical fluid dynamics which is relevant to the main topics of the book. This is followed by a presentation of basic material on helium II and quantized vortices. The following chapters deal with various different aspects of the subject, and the book concludes with substantial introductions to two currently active topics, namely superfluid turbulence and the nucleation of quantized vortices. Both quantum tunnelling and thermal activation nucleation processes are also discussed, including the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition in thin films. The author's comprehensive approach will make this book invaluable for students taking advanced undergraduate or graduate courses, and for all those involved in research on classical and quantum vortices.

Preface
1. Background on classical vortices
2. Background on liquid helium II
3. Vortex dynamics and mutual friction
4. The structure of quantized vortices
5. Vortex arrays
6. Vortex waves
7. Quantum turbulence
8. Nucleation of quantized vortices
Index.

Subject Areas: Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC]