90-year-old ‘second sound’ quantum theory observed in superfluid helium

undefined 9, 2025

Source: interestingengineering

MIT physicists have, for the first time, captured the quantum phenomenon called second sound on film, where heat propagates like a wave instead of diffusing. Using ultra-cold lithium-6 atoms and radio waves, the team visualized heat rippling in a superfluid, confirming a 90-year-old prediction. This breakthrough may improve neutron star models and accelerate research into high-temperature superconductors, offering a new way to study extreme quantum states.

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