Superfluid Helium 3: Link between Condensed Matter Physics and Particle Physics

D. Vollhardt; P. Woelfle

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arXiv · cond-mat/0012052

Superfluid Helium 3: Link between Condensed Matter Physics and Particle Physics

D. Vollhardt·P. Woelfle

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Abstract

The discovery of the superfluid phases of Helium 3 in 1971 opened the door to one of the most fascinating systems known in condensed matter physics. Superfluidity of Helium 3, originating from pair condensation of Helium 3 atoms, turned out to be the ideal testground for many fundamental concepts of modern physics, such as macroscopic quantum phenomena, (gauge-)symmetries and their spontaneous breakdown, topological defects, etc. Thereby the superfluid phases of Helium 3 enriched condensed matter physics enormously. In particular, they contributed significantly - and continue to do so - to our understanding of various other physical systems, from heavy fermion and high-Tc superconductors all the way to neutron stars, particle physics, gravity and the early universe. A simple introduction into the basic concepts and questions is presented.

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D. Vollhardt, P. Woelfle. 2000-12-05. Superfluid Helium 3: Link between Condensed Matter Physics and Particle Physics. https://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0012052

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