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Detection of the Earth's rotation using superfluid phase coherence

Article Abstract:

Scientists have detected the Earth's rotation using the spatial phase coherence of superfluid helium. The method uses a superfluid container built on a one-centimeter-thick silicon wafer. Container rotation results in a measurable flow velocity via the aperture. The method is accurate to 0.5% although further accuracy is probable after more research. The work supports previous research conclusions on the use of superfluids by scientists O. Avenel et al.

Measurement, Earth movements, Earth movements (Geology)

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Superfluid gyroscope

Article Abstract:

Superfluid-helium gyroscopes (SHEGs) may be achievable that will allow the Earth's rotation to be measured more exactly. SHEGs use the quantum nature of liquid helium to provide a stable reference state of zero rotation with regard to inertial space. Richard Packard and Stefano Vitale found that the likely SHEG designs will have enough geodesic sensitivity to obtain satisfactorily precise measurements barring the discovery of new noise sources.

Usage, Innovations, Gyroscopes, Liquid helium

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Whistles from superfluid helium

Article Abstract:

It has been possible to use modern silicon microfabrication techniques to create two weakly coupled volumes of superfluid 3He which spontaneously generate mechanical oscillations. Researchers found that apertures made in a 50-nm-thick sliver of silicon nitride must be comparable with or smaller than the healing length of the superfluid. The amplified output of the displacement transducer was heard as a whistle which steadily decreased in pitch.

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