Electron Bubbles in Liquid Helium

Abstract

When an electron (or positronium atom) is injected into liquid helium with nearly zero energy, a bubble quickly forms around it. This phenomenon (which also occurs in liquid hydrogen, liquid neon and possibly in solid helium) lowers the mobility of the electron to a value similar to that for a positive ion. We estimate the radius of the bubble at zero pressure and temperature based on the zero point energy of the electron. If the liquid is held in a state of negative pressure, the bubble will expand beyond the radius at zero pressure. We also estimate the negative pressure such that a bubble once formed will grow without limit.