Quantum-limited mass flow of liquid $^{3}$He

TL;DR

This paper explores the quantum fluid behavior of liquid helium-3 in nano-channels, predicting quantized conductance, universal fluctuations, and potential Luttinger liquid formation at ultra-low temperatures.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of quantum mass flow in liquid helium-3, including conductance quantization, effects of diffusive scattering, and the possibility of a Luttinger liquid crossover.

Findings

Quantized conductance steps at low temperatures.

Universal conductance fluctuations due to diffusive scattering.

Potential formation of a Luttinger liquid in one-dimensional regime.

Abstract

We consider theoretically the possibility of observing unusual quantum fluid behavior in liquid $^{3}$He and solutions of $^{3}$He in $^{4}$He systems confined to nano-channels. In the case of pure ballistic flow at very low temperature conductance will be quantized in units of $2m^{2}/h$. We show that these steps should be sensitive to increases in temperature. We also use of a random scattering matrix simulation to study flow with diffusive wall scattering. Universal conductance fluctuations analogous to those seen in electron systems should then be observable. Finally we consider the possibility of the cross-over to a one-dimensional system at sufficiently low temperature where the system could form a Luttinger liquid.