Development of a New Pressure Measuring Technique for Examining Pressure Gradients in Solid Helium

Recent solid helium experiments have shown interesting, unexpected effects that occur within the solid, such as the appearances of pressure differences between the edges of the solid [1]. In order to explore these effects, we are developing new methods to measure pressure gradients inside of the solid sample. We have performed preliminary tests of a resistive sensor at liquid nitrogen temperature. Measurements of the sensor's response were made up to 31 bars, and while the force sensor is seen to react to the pressure change, further noise reduction is required in order to increase the precision of measurements.

[1] M.W. Ray and R.B. Hallock, Phys. Rev. B 81, 214523 (2010).