Suprafluids

Suprafluids, also known as superfluids, are a state of matter characterized by the complete absence of viscosity and infinite thermal conductivity. This means that a superfluid can flow without losing kinetic energy and can transfer heat without a temperature gradient. The most well-known example of a superfluid is helium-4, which exhibits these properties at temperatures below 2.17 Kelvin.

The phenomenon of superfluidity was first observed by Pyotr Kapitsa in 1937. It occurs in certain liquids, typically at very low temperatures, and is a result of quantum mechanical effects. In a superfluid, the atoms or molecules form a coherent quantum state, allowing them to move collectively without resistance.

Superfluids exhibit several unique properties. One of the most striking is the ability to climb up and over the walls of a container, a phenomenon known as the "fountain effect." Another is the existence of quantized vortices, which are tiny whirlpools that can only exist in multiples of a certain quantum of circulation. These vortices are stable and can persist for long periods.

Superfluids have potential applications in various fields, including quantum computing, precision measurement devices, and the study of fundamental physics. However, their practical use is limited by the extreme conditions required to achieve and maintain the superfluid state.