Subscribe now

Physics

New kind of camera can image mini-whirlpools in quantum liquids

Researchers have built a camera-like device for understanding how vortices form in quantum liquids, where atoms pair up and start to behave like overlapping waves

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

20 May 2022

The camera

The camera set-up. The copper part is where the 25 cavities sit (see main story)

Theo Noble

Vortices that form in quantum liquids can now be studied with a camera that uses particle-like disturbances to take images instead of light. Normal cameras can’t capture these whirlpools, so the device may lead to a more detailed understanding of how they form.

Swirl a spoon in a cup of tea and you can easily create a vortex. But researchers have long struggled to predict exactly how these tiny whirlpools form or how they will behave once you remove the spoon.…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Unlock this article

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 15 January 2025.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account