A new study has revealed the secrets of vortices in superfluids - liquid or gas that can flow without any resistance. Scientists from the University of Cambridge have demonstrated, for the first time, how vortices in a superfluid can be controlled and manipulated. The findings could lead to advances in quantum computing and other technologies, as well as shed light on the mysteries of quantum mechanics.

Researchers have long known that when a superfluid is disturbed or moved, it can form vortices - localised swirls of fluid that act like tiny tornadoes. These vortices are important for a number of physical phenomena, including turbulence and quantum computing. However, scientists had not been able to study them in detail until now.

In their new study, the Cambridge scientists used a technique called ‘optical tweezers’ to manipulate the vortices and study their behaviour. They showed that by using laser beams to move the vortices, they could control the motion of the superfluid. This allowed them to observe the vortices in detail and gain new insights into their properties.

This groundbreaking research could lead to a better understanding of superfluids and their behaviour, as well as potential applications in quantum computing and other

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source: Phys.org