A Conjecture for Using Optical Methods for Affecting Superfluid Hydrodynamics

Abstract

The relation between the macroscopic quantum coherent nature of superfluids and the coherent properties of optical interference patterns will be utilized to examine the optical properties of superfluid hydrodynamics. A Bragg pattern imposed on the superfluid (either holographically or using a phase mask) is expected to induce periodic variations in the local index of refraction of the normal and super fluid components. The altered optical properties can then be probed by a second coherent light source. In this manner, the behavior of the probe beam can be switched using the specific characteristics of the imposed pattern. Acoustic modes should also manifest measurable affects on incident coherent radiations.