Dynamics of Quantum Vorticity in a Random Potential

Abstract

I study the dynamics of a superfluid vortex in a random potential, as in the inner crust of a neutron star. Below a critical flow velocity of the ambient superfluid, a vortex is effectively immobilized by lattice forces even in the limit of zero dissipation. Low-velocity, translatory motion is not dynamically possible, a result with important implications for understanding neutron star precession and the dynamical properties of superfluid nuclear matter.

Physical Review Letters, final version

References in corpus (3)

• On the stability of precessing superfluid neutron stars
• Incompatibility of long-period neutron star precession with creeping neutron vortices
• Hydromagnetic waves in a superfluid neutron star with strong vortex pinning