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Title: Experimental studies in solid state and low temperture physics. Progress report for 1977

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5367435· OSTI ID:5367435

Experimental investigations are being carried out in a broad area of low-temperature and solid-state physics which includes superconductivity, magnetism in metals and liquid and solid helium. The pair-field susceptibility of superconductors is being studied. A propagating mode in the phase of the superconducting order parameter is under investigation. Superconducting fluctuations are being used to probe critical fluctuations in magnetic systems using the proximity effect. Heat capacities of superconducting films in the vicinity of T/sub c/ are also being investigated. The properties of thin film solid solutions of sodium in ammonia, sodium in argon, and mercury in xenon are being studied. Nuclear orientation studies of the dilute magnetic impurity problem in metals in the 1 mK temperature region are being carried out. Refrigeration requirements for this work are being met using enhanced hyperfine nuclear cooling. The dynamics of superfluid flow through submicrometer pores are being studied in both pure /sup 4/He and in /sup 3/He//sup 4/He mixtures in an apparatus provided with a /sup 3/He refrigerator. A search for an ac Josephson effect in superfluid /sup 4/He is being initiated. The quantization of circulation in superfluid liquid /sup 4/He is being investigated using the Vinen method. An analysis of measurements of the concentration susceptibility in /sup 3/He//sup 4/He mixtures near the tricritical point has been completed. The electrical resistance of metallic screw-fastened joints is being studied to assess the usefulness of such demountable joints for thermal contact at millikelvin temperatures.

Research Organization:
Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis (USA). School of Physics
Sponsoring Organization:
US Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-S-02-1569
OSTI ID:
5367435
Report Number(s):
COO-1569-144; TRN: 78-003026
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English