We have developed a new “floppy wire” device for studying the motion
through quantum fluids and solids at very low temperatures. The device is particularly well suited for producing large amplitudes of motion, for measuring drag forces at low frequency, and for studying “zero” frequency dynamics by measuring transient behavior. The device is very versatile and allows motion to be studied over a broad
range of velocities and amplitudes. It generates negligible heat leaks and so is ideally suited for ultra low temperature experiments. The device has many potential applications in quantum fluids and solids research, including the study of drag forces at low frequencies in both the laminar and turbulent flow regimes, and the investigation of motion in (super)solid ⁴He. We discuss the principles and modes of operation of the device and present some preliminary measurements in vacuum, in normal liquid ³He and in superfluid ⁴He.We also present measurements of a “floppy grid” device, which could be used for generating large volumes of quantum turbulence in superfluids at low temperatures.