Novel sound phenomena in superfluid helium in aerogel and other impure superfluids

Sound transmission at a liquid He interface

The acoustic coefficients of reflection, transmission, and transformation of first-, second-, and gas sound waves incident normally on the free surface of liquid helium have been determined. The experimental results are compared with the theory developed in Part I of this paper. It is shown that equilibrium theories of boundary conditions disagree with the experiments. Nonequilibrium theories, however, which take into account that mass and energy transport processes occur at the liquid-vapor interface of helium II, lead to a very good description of the experimental data below 2 K. Within experimental accuracy the measurements fully confirm several kinetic models of evaporation and energy transport processes. Near the λ point, deviations from the theory have been found which might be attributed to influences of critical phenomena. The surface absorption coefficients of first-, second-, and gas sound waves could be deduced from the experimental data on the acoustic coefficients, and it is shown that, in agreement with the theory, appreciable energy dissipation occurs at the free surface of helium II when a second-sound or a gas sound wave is incident.

Sound conversion phenomena at the free surface of liquid helium. II. Experimental determination of acoustic coefficients and surface absorption coefficients

Thermal excitation of fourth sound in helium II

Density changes of helium II during heat flow through channels

A very sensitive microphone suitable for acoustic measurements in liquid helium is described. With the use of it both, the pressure amplitude of second sound and the amplitude of first sound radiated from the second sound transmitter (carbon layer heater) can be detected. By a special extension of the reciprocity theory the first sound pressure response of the microphone and the second sound transmitter response can be measured. The measured pressure signals of first and second sound are compared with the results of the two-fluid theory.

K. Keck

Papers

Coupling between pressure and temperature amplitudes in waves of second sound in liquid helium