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Title: Optical investigation of impurities in superfluid {sup 4}He

Journal Article · · Journal of Low Temperature Physics

This review is devoted to optical studies of foreign particles in superfluid {sup 4}He. Starting with single excess electrons, helium ions and metastable helium atoms, various methods for the implantation of these species into the quantum fluid are summarized. Continuing with neutral and charged atoms, molecules, and clusters implantation techniques like laser ablation, gas discharges, or atomic beams are discussed. The implanted particles act as micro-probes for the liquid helium and form complex defect structures-known as bubbles and snowballs. The behavior of the impurities, their defect structures in the liquid, and their optical spectra are discussed. The treatment is mainly focused on the manifold of atoms and ions from nearly all groups of the periodic table of elements which became available for optical experiments in liquid {sup 4}He in the recent ten years. It includes theoretical description of the impurities by the standard bubble model (SBM). Extensions and limitations of the SBM are discussed regarding non-radiative transitions and the dynamic Jahn-Teller effect. The review is concluded by a discussion of applications of `the presented experimental methods such as spin physics and motion studies in liquid helium.

OSTI ID:
569803
Journal Information:
Journal of Low Temperature Physics, Vol. 109, Issue 5-6; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English