Helium-4 Luttinger liquids in nanopores

TL;DR

This study investigates helium-4 confined in nanopores, revealing how pore width influences Luttinger liquid behavior and pinning susceptibility, with implications for experimental detection of quantum fluid states.

Contribution

It provides large-scale quantum Monte Carlo simulation insights into helium-4 in nanopores, highlighting the transition from solid-like to Luttinger liquid behavior based on pore size.

Findings

Narrow pores exhibit strong solid tendencies and pinning susceptibility.

Wider pores show Luttinger liquid behavior with potential protection from pinning.

Results suggest experimental detection of Luttinger liquids in nanopores.

Abstract

We study the low temperature properties of a helium-4 fluid confined in nanopores, using large-scale Quantum Monte Carlo simulations with realistic He-He and He-pore interactions. In the narrow-pore limit, the system can be described by the quantum hydrodynamic theory known as Luttinger liquid theory with a large Luttinger parameter, corresponding to the dominance of solid tendencies and strong susceptibility to pinning by a periodic or random potential from the pore walls. On the other hand, for wider pores, the central region appears to behave like a Luttinger liquid with a smaller Luttinger parameter, and may be protected from pinning by the wall potential, offering the possibility of experimental detection of a Luttinger liquid.