ICMCS Seminar - Ultrafast & Sub-micrometre X-ray Studies of Elemental Metals at Interplanetary Conditions

Title: Ultrafast & Sub-micrometre X-ray Studies of Elemental Metals at Interplanetary Conditions

Abstract: 

Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in x-ray beam focusing at synchrotron light sources, as well as in coupling high-energy laser drives to ultrafast x-ray free-electron lasers. This talk is divided into two parts and presents angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction data on Cu, Bi, Nb and V from PETRA III, the European XFEL and LCLS up to 366 GPa (3.66 million times atmospheric pressure) and ~8000 K.

First, I will discuss recent developments in the focusing schemes at synchrotrons that have enabled the reduction of x-ray beam dimensions from tens of micrometres to the sub-micrometre domain. These advances have made spatial mapping of diamond anvil cell samples at multi-megabar pressures feasible, while also revealing new features in the data, including stress variations on the micron length scale.

Second, I will present results from experiments using the new DiPOLE 100-X laser at the European XFEL to investigate phase transitions in Nb and V. Prior studies into the elastic constants of these metals suggest anomalous elastic behaviour on compression, which may explain the previously reported phase transition series reported in literature. Here, I examine the phase stability regions of Nb and V under laser-driven shock compression, extending previously achieved shock pressures by ~200 GPa.

https://ed-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/81211470751

Meeting ID: 812 1147 0751
Passcode: ICMCS123