Reconnection of Quantum Vortices (IMAGE)

University of Maryland

Reconnection of Quantum Vortices

Caption

Schematic diagram of two quantum vortices meeting, crossing and exchanging tails -- a process called reconnection. The red and blue arrows represent the direction of vorticity. A new study provides visual evidence that after the vortexes exchange tails and snap away from each other, they develop ripples called "Kelvin waves" to quickly get rid of the energy caused by the connection and relax the system.

Credit

Daniel Lathrop

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.