Superfluid helium: the quantum curiosity behind massive experiments like the LHC
The effects of quantum mechanics are all around us, but the quantum properties of matter are generally only apparent at the microscopic level. Superfluidity is an exception, and some of its bizarre characteristics can be seen with the naked eye. Moreover, superfluid helium II has found several critical applications in science and technology – and is used in multi-tonne quantities today at facilities like the Large Hadron Collider.
My guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is John Weisend, senior accelerator engineer at the European Spallation Source and adjunct professor at Lund University in Sweden. He specializes in cryogenic engineering and has written the book Superfluid: How a Quantum Fluid Revolutionized Modern Science.
We chat about the physics behind this unique substance and how it is used in some of the biggest physics experiments on the planet.
This episode is sponsored by Pfeiffer Vacuum.
Pfeiffer Vacuum provides all types of vacuum equipment, including hybrid and magnetically-levitated turbopumps, leak detectors and analysis equipment, and vacuum chambers and systems. You can explore all of its products on the Pfeiffer Vacuum website.
Hamish Johnston is an online editor of Physics World.
FROM PHYSICSWORLD.COM 29/3/2024
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