Quantum Turbulence Generated by Grid Motion in Superfluid He

The mechanism by which the quantized vortex tangle in a turbulent superfluid system decays remains little understood [1]. Research into the subject suggests that Kelvin waves play an integral part in the dissipation process [2]. To generate quantum turbulence, a grid is dragged through 4 He which has condensed into the superfluid state. Oscillations in the motion of this grid remain a problem, and efforts to reduce these oscillations include reducing the mass of the armature used to propel the grid. This must be accomplished however, while maintaining the quality of the superconducting Nb film sputtered onto the armature. In this paper, I examine measurements made on a glass armature sputtered with Nb to determine the quality of the superconducting film.