This project is an experimental investigation of the quantum many-body problem in two dimensions, using the photon as the fundamental bosonic particle. The test for superfluidity is the dynamical generation of vortices above the Landau critical velocity. Simulation of pre-turbulent flow past a cylindrical obstacle. Arrows indicate flow direction, dark shading indicates low photon density. Geometry of the traveling-wave critical velocity experiment.
Dark dot represents the obstacle.
Shaded region indicates the nonlinear mode volume. 71, No. 2, July 1993.