Effect of a quenched disorder on the order parameter of superfluid 3He

Abstract

As a consequence of a continuous degeneracy of the order parameter of the superfluid 3He the quenched disorder in a form of aerogel gives rise both to a disruption of the orientational long-range order of the condensate and to a significant change of the order parameter itself. There exist a class of quasi-isotropic order parameters which are not sensitive to the disorienting effect of aerogel. While the BW order parameter belongs to this class the ABM does not. Possible candidate for the order parameter of the observed A-like phase is discussed.