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Evidence for a disorder-driven phase transition in the condensation of 4He in aerogels

F. Bonnet1, T. Lambert1, B. Cross1, L. Guyon1, F. Despetis2, L. Puech1 and P. E. Wolf1

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We report on thermodynamic and optical measurements of the condensation process of 4He in three silica aerogels of different microstructures. For the two base-catalysed aerogels, the temperature dependence of the shape of adsorption isotherms and of the morphology of the condensation process show evidence of a disorder-driven transition, in agreement with recent theoretical predictions. This transition is not observed for a neutral-catalysed aerogel, which we interpret as due to a larger disorder in this case.


PACS

64.70.F- Liquid–vapor transitions

67.25.bh Films and restricted geometries

64.60.-i General studies of phase transitions

Subjects

Quantum gases, liquids and solids

Condensed matter: structural, mechanical & thermal

Dates

Issue 5 (June 2008)

Received 19 February 2008, accepted for publication 14 May 2008

Published 23 May 2008



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