Using superfluid helium, scientists were able to generate a quantum vortex that rivals the intensity of natural hurricanes (Shutterstock)

In a bold move, scientists from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom were able to generate a powerful quantum hurricane that far exceeds the intense hurricanes found in nature. Researchers likened it to a hurricane closer to a black hole.

While humans are accustomed to the natural hurricanes that humans have encountered, uprooting trees and destroying homes, quantum hurricanes work to distribute and disperse atoms and molecules at atomic levels.

The study, published in the journal Nature and titled “Features of the Curved Space-Time Fabric Due to a Giant Quantum Storm,” indicates that the quantum hurricane mimics a black hole, and the researchers had to use helium in its superfluid state in order for it to have a low viscosity so the fluid flows without any resistance.

These properties allow scientists to closely monitor how helium interacts with its surrounding environment, only to discover that there are small waves present on the surface of the fluid that mimic the gravitational conditions around rotating black holes.

How did scientists conduct their experiment?

The science team had to establish the correct parameters and properties in the fluid, and this included cooling several liters of superfluid helium to the lowest possible temperature, that is, below minus 271 degrees Celsius, while absolute zero is equivalent to minus 273.16 degrees Celsius.

Normally, small particles inside liquid helium - called quantum vortices - spread away from each other, but at extremely cold temperatures liquid helium acquires quantum properties that stabilize it.

Using a cooling device, the researchers were able to confine tens of thousands of these quantum vortices, and were thus able to generate a tornado-like vortex flow.

Two side sections clearly show how massive the quantum tornado is, at the atomic level, so gigantic (Nature)

This successful experiment opens new doors for scientists to simulate their theories about curved space-time and gravity, as researchers will be able to compare the interactions in the simulated black hole with their theoretical expectations. Scientists summarize the purpose behind generating quantum hurricanes like the ones in the experiment in several points:

  • Research into quantum fluid dynamics

    : Studying quantum eddies and hurricanes helps understand the behavior of superfluid fluids at very low temperatures, which is crucial to understanding quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics.

  • Simulating astrophysical phenomena

    : Hurricane-like quantum vortices allow researchers to simulate certain aspects of astrophysical phenomena, such as black holes and gravitational waves. By observing the behavior of quantum vortices, scientists can gain a better understanding of these complex astronomical phenomena.

  • Testing fundamental physical theories

    : Giant quantum vortices provide a unique experimental platform for testing several different fundamental physical theories, including those related to curved spacetime and gravity.

  • Development of quantum technologies

    : Understanding and dealing with quantum vortices can lead to the development of new quantum technologies. For example, systems based on superfluid helium are used in sensitive sensors and detectors, and research into giant quantum vortices may lead to the discovery of new applications in computing. Quantum, quantum communications and other fields.

Professor Silke Weinfurtner, who leads the experiment at the Black Hole Laboratory, says: “When we first observed clear traces of black hole physics in our first analogue experiment in 2017, it was a wonderful moment to understand some strange phenomena that are often difficult, if not difficult, to study otherwise.” impossible".

He added: "Now, through our most complex experiment, we have taken this research to the next level, which may ultimately lead us to predict how quantum fields behave in curved space-time around black holes in astrophysics."

Source: Al Jazeera + websites