Abstract
We show that the (p, T, x) phase diagram of4He close to melting pressure (25.3 bars) with small concentrations of3He and at very low temperatures has several unanticipated and novel features. For pressures between 25.3 bars and a triple point pressurep*, estimated to be 25.8 bars, we find a dilute liquid solution of3He in equilibrium with solid4He. The concentration of the liquidx c increases from zero to the dilute liquid solubility limitx 0 as the pressure increases from the pure4He melting pressure atT=0 top*. We explore the possibility of self-cooling by lowering the pressure throughp*. We also consider the effects of a strong magnetic field, and show that it lowersx c. An estimate of the kinetic growth coefficient is given. Finally, we discuss the possible adsorption of3He on the melting front and the consequent faceting enhancement of the solid4He.
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