Stability of half quantum vortex in rotating superfluid 3He-A between parallel plates

TL;DR

This paper determines the precise stability conditions of half quantum vortices in superfluid helium-3 A phase confined between parallel plates, using Ginzburg-Landau theory to guide experimental verification.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed stability region of half quantum vortices in superfluid helium-3 A phase under rotation and confinement, with explicit order parameter structure analysis.

Findings

Stability region of HQV mapped in temperature and rotation speed.

Order parameter structure of HQV with A1 core characterized.

Stability region is experimentally accessible.

Abstract

We have found the precise stability region of the half quantum vortex (HQV) for superfluid $^3$He A phase confined in parallel plates with a narrow gap under rotation. Standard Ginzburg-Landau free energy, which is well established, is solved to locate the stability region spanned by temperature $T$ and rotation speed ($/Omega$). This $/Omega$-$T$ stability region is wide enough to check it experimentally in available experimental setup. The detailed order parameter structure of HQV characterized by A$_1$ core is given to facilitate the physical reasons of its stability over other vortices or textures.