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Molecular Superfluid: Nonclassical Rotations in Doped Para-Hydrogen Clusters

Hui Li, Robert J. Le Roy, Pierre-Nicholas Roy, and A. R. W. McKellar
Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 133401 – Published 23 September 2010
Physics logo See Synopsis: Microscopic superfluidity

Abstract

Clusters of para-hydrogen (pH2) have been predicted to exhibit superfluid behavior, but direct observation of this phenomenon has been elusive. Combining experiments and theoretical simulations, we have determined the size evolution of the superfluid response of pH2 clusters doped with carbon dioxide (CO2). Reduction of the effective inertia is observed when the dopant is surrounded by the pH2 solvent. This marks the onset of molecular superfluidity in pH2. The fractional occupation of solvation rings around CO2 correlates with enhanced superfluid response for certain cluster sizes.

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  • Received 21 April 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.133401

© 2010 The American Physical Society

Synopsis

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Microscopic superfluidity

Published 1 October 2010

The size limits of superfluidity are explored in molecular hydrogen clusters.

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Authors & Affiliations

Hui Li1,2, Robert J. Le Roy1, Pierre-Nicholas Roy1,*, and A. R. W. McKellar3,†

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
  • 2Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Jilin University, 2519 Jiefang Road, Changchun 130023, People’s Republic of China
  • 3Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, Canada

  • *pnroy@uwaterloo.ca
  • Robert.McKellar@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

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Issue

Vol. 105, Iss. 13 — 24 September 2010

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