Dynamics of Quantum Vorticity in a Random Potential

TL;DR

This paper investigates how superfluid vortices behave in a random potential, revealing that below a critical velocity, vortices are immobilized, impacting neutron star physics and superfluid dynamics understanding.

Contribution

It demonstrates that vortices are effectively pinned below a critical velocity in a random potential, with implications for neutron star precession and superfluid matter.

Findings

Vortices are immobilized below a critical flow velocity.

Low-velocity vortex motion is dynamically suppressed.

Implications for neutron star precession and superfluid properties.

Abstract

I study the dynamics of a superfluid vortex in a random potential, as in the inner crust of a neutron star. Below a critical flow velocity of the ambient superfluid, a vortex is effectively immobilized by lattice forces even in the limit of zero dissipation. Low-velocity, translatory motion is not dynamically possible, a result with important implications for understanding neutron star precession and the dynamical properties of superfluid nuclear matter.