Diamonds on Diamond: structural studies at extreme conditions on the Diamond Light Source

M. I. McMahon*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

Abstract

Extreme conditions (EC) research investigates how the structures and physical and chemical properties of materials change when subjected to extremes of pressure and temperature. Pressures in excess of one million times atmospheric pressure can be achieved using a diamond anvil cell, and, in combination with high-energy, micro-focused radiation from a third-generation synchrotron such as Diamond, detailed structural information can be obtained using either powder or single-crystal diffraction techniques. Here, I summarize some of the research drivers behind international EC research, and then briefly describe the techniques by which high-quality diffraction data are obtained. I then highlight the breadth of EC research possible on Diamond by summarizing four examples from work conducted on the I15 and I19 beamlines, including a study which resulted in the first research paper from Diamond. Finally, I look to the future, and speculate as to the type of EC research might be conducted at Diamond over the next 10 years.

Original languageEnglish
Article number20130158
Number of pages12
JournalPhilosophical Transactions A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
Volume373
Issue number2036
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Mar 2015

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • high pressure
  • crystallography
  • synchrotron
  • Diamond Light Source
  • X-RAY-DIFFRACTION
  • HIGH-PRESSURE
  • PHASE-TRANSITIONS
  • ANVIL CELL
  • POWDER-DIFFRACTION
  • CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE
  • OPTICAL EVIDENCE
  • CESIUM IODIDE
  • METALLIZATION
  • FRAMEWORK

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