Growth Kinetics of 4He Quantum Crystals at a Temperature of 0.1–0.2 K.

The growth kinetics of 4He crystals nucleated in a metastable liquid at a supersaturation of up to 10mbar is studied in the temperature range 90–180 mK. An optical dilution cryostat is used to observe and film crystal growth. The boundary supersaturation separating the normal (slow) and abnormal (fast) growth regions is determined. The growth rate of crystal facets in the normal growth mode is measured. The kinetics of fast crystal growth is investigated as a function of supersaturation and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]