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The enigma of supersolidity

Nature volume 464, pages 176–182 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

A 'supersolid' is a quantum solid in which a fraction of the mass is superfluid. As a remarkable consequence, it is rigid, but part of its mass is able to flow owing to quantum physical processes. This paradoxical state of matter was considered as a theoretical possibility as early as 1969, but its existence was discovered only in 2004, in 4He. Since then, intense experimental and theoretical efforts have been made to explain the origins of this exotic state of matter. It now seems that its physical interpretation is more complicated than originally thought.

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Figure 1: Quantum tunnelling of vacancies.
Figure 2: First experimental evidence of supersolidity in 4He.
Figure 3: Various defects in solids.
Figure 4: Stiffness measurements and the role of 3He impurities.
Figure 5: Dislocation lines.

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Acknowledgements

I acknowledge support from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (grant BLAN07.1.215296).

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  1. Laboratoire de Physique Statistique, Ecole Normale Supérieure and CNRS, 24 rue Lhomond, Paris, 75231, France

    Sebastien Balibar

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Balibar, S. The enigma of supersolidity. Nature 464, 176–182 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature08913

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