Probing phase coherence in solid helium using torsional oscillators of different path lengths

Abstract

Long-range phase coherence is a critical signature of macroscopic quantum phenomena. To date, nonclassical rotational inertia (NCRI) of solid helium has been reported only in samples with physical dimension of at most 5 cm. We have investigated solid helium in longer path-length torsional oscillators. Samples of length ranging from 6 to 100 cm were grown inside toroids and in self-connected long capillaries. NCRI of $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ and $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ were found in cells with path length of 6 and 9 cm. In cells with path length of 30 and 100 cm, NCRI, if it exists, is less than $7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ and $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$, respectively.