Interactions of Phonons and Rotons with Interfaces in Superfluid Helium

Abstract

We solve the problem of beams of phonons and rotons incident on, and interacting with, solid surfaces. Phonons and rotons are the quasiparticles of superfluid helium and have a unique dispersion curve. The dispersion curve controls the transmission, reflection and mode change of these quasiparticles at the interface with another medium. We develop a non-local hydrodynamic theory in a consistent and unified way. The structure of the solutions in the quantum fluid is discussed. The creation probabilities of all quasiparticles are derived when any one of them is incident on the interface. The dependencies on frequency and angular are analysed and the backward reflection and refraction for $R^-$ rotons are discussed.