Solid Helium Three

Helium three is the rare isotope of helium. It exhibits extraordinary properties when it is condensed to a quantum solid at very low temperatures. The discovery of its unique magnetic properties makes exciting reading. The growth of crystals and of thin films is particularly beautiful.

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One of the hottest topics in low temperature physics during the last two decades has been the revelation of the astonishing properties of crystals of the rare isotope of helium, helium three. This book provides the first complete account of these properties. In it, experimental measurements are described and the development of their interpretation is discussed.

Beginning with the phase diagram and thermal properties of this uniquely quantum crystal, Professor Dobbs introduces current theories of solid helium and compares their predictions with measurements of the ground state, elastic and thermal properties, and phonon spectra. the extraordinary magnetic properties are described and discussed in chapters on the paramagnetism, antiferromagnetism and ferromagnetism of the different phases of solid heliu. the text concludes with chapters on the growth of crystals, their defects and studies of monolayers, bilayers, and multilayers grown on a variety of substrates.

This book provides an introduction to the extensive literature, particularly that published since 1980, for research staff and students in physics and physical chemistry with an interest in current developments in condensed matter.