Heat capacity measurements of solid $^{4}$He confined in porous Vycor

ORAL

Abstract

Non-classical rotational inertia (NCRI), a possible indication of a supersolid state, has been observed in solid $^{4}$He in bulk samples and in samples confined within porous media. In addition to the expected Debye-T$^{3}$ term, a heat capacity peak has been observed in bulk solid $^{4}$He. The peak temperature of $\sim $60 mK is in the vicinity of the onset of NCRI. The heat capacity peak also shows similar dependence on sample preparation to the NCRI signals. Many of the theories regarding supersolid behavior involve extended defects in the bulk crystal. These theories break down when considering solids confined within porous media. We will present preliminary heat capacity measurements of solid $^{4}$He confined in Vycor glass with a characteristic pore size of 70 angstroms.

Authors

  • Z. G. Cheng

    The Pennsylvania State University

  • X. Lin

    The Pennsylvania State University

  • Joshua T. West

    Pennsylvania State University, The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

  • Moses Chan

    The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, Department of Physics and Center for Nanoscale Science, Penn State University