Novel methods to create multielectron bubbles in superfluid helium

J. Fang, Anatoly E. Dementyev, J. Tempere, Isaac F. Silvera
2011 Review of Scientific Instruments  
The structure of negative ions in liquid 4 He is analyzed. The possibility of cluster or bubble formation around impurity ions of both signs is discussed. It is shown that in superfluid helium, bubbles form around negative alkaline earth metal ions and clusters form around halogen ions. The nature of "fast" and "exotic" negative ions is also discussed. It is assumed that "fast" ions are negative ions of helium excimer molecules localized inside bubbles. "Exotic" ions are stable negative
more » ... ions, which are always present in small amounts in gas discharge plasmas. Bubbles or clusters with radii smaller the radius of electron bubbles develop around these ions.
doi:10.1063/1.3553030 pmid:21456760 fatcat:m5wvj56xgjh27ok7bvorbg3tua