Landau Model for Films and Interfaces of Superfluid Helium-4 at T = 0k
Ji, Guangda
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/77394
Description
Title
Landau Model for Films and Interfaces of Superfluid Helium-4 at T = 0k
Author(s)
Ji, Guangda
Issue Date
1986
Department of Study
Physics
Discipline
Physics
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Physics, Fluid and Plasma
Language
eng
Abstract
We use a Landau theory appropriate to an inhomogeneous superfluid at temperature T = 0 to describe structural and dynamical effects at a gas/superfluid interface and for a superfluid film on an inert attractive substrate. The parameters of the theory are determined phenomenologically by fitting measured bulk properties of the homogeneous superfluid. The theory then predicts in a consistent way both static properties (density profile, interface/surface tension) and excitations (ripplons, phonons, and their associated wavefunctions). The simplicity of the theory makes the connection between the symmetries of the system and the form of the excitation spectra particularly transparent. In Chapter II, we take the Landau free-energy functional to be local. This restriction precludes description of roton effects. Numerical results are, as a consequence, not quantitative; however, calculations are easy enough so that generic features of the spectra and wavefunctions can be illustrated conveniently. In Chapter III, we allow nonlocality in the free-energy functional, making it possible to incorporate roton effects. Two solid-like near-substrate layers then appear in the film profiles, followed by liquid. The surface tension obtained is more realistic than that of the local model. A surface excitation spectrum with a roton-like minimum has been obtained for both a gas/liquid interface and a film on a graphite substrate. The third-sound velocities c(,3) vs. (DELTA)(mu) show oscillations characteristic of the layer structure, which are consistent with measured data if a proper substrate potential is chosen. A possible form of the effective van der Waals potential of a graphite substrate, which can explain most experimental observations, is suggested.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
