Path-Dependent Supercooling of the 3He Superfluid A - B Transition

We examine the discontinuous first-order superfluid He-3 A to B transition in the vicinity of the polycritical point (2.232 mK and 21.22 bar). We find path-dependent transitions: cooling at fixed pressure yields a well-defined transition line in the temperature-pressure plane, but this line can be reliably crossed by depressurizing at nearly constant temperature after transiting T-c at a higher pressure. This path dependence is not consistent with any of the standard B-phase nucleation mechanisms in the literature. This symmetry breaking transition is a potential simulator for first order transitions in the early Universe.

Automated summary

The study reveals path-dependent transitions in the He-3 A to B transition, which do not align with the standard B-phase nucleation mechanisms in the literature. This symmetry breaking transition may serve as a potential simulator for first order transitions in the early Universe.