X-Ray Diffraction of Ramp-Compressed Sodium

ORAL

Abstract

Extreme compression can alter the free-electron behavior of “simple” metals such as sodium. At pressures greater than 200 GPa, Na is predicted to transform into a transparent electride structure where valence electrons are localized in interstitial regions. Laser-driven ramp compression is used to compress Na into this unexplored pressure regime to investigate the crystal structure, optical properties, and melting behavior of Na. X-ray diffraction is used to constrain the crystal structure and detect melting. Optical reflectivity measurements are used to detect metal-insulator transitions and simultaneous velocimetry is used to infer the Na pressure. We show the highest‑pressure solid x-ray diffraction and reflectivity data on Na to date.

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Presenters

  • Danae N Polsin

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Univ of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester

Authors

  • Danae N Polsin

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Univ of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester

  • Thomas Boehly

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, LLE, Lab for Laser Energetics, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Laboratory for Laser Energetics

  • Gilbert W Collins

    University of Rochester, Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, and Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Univ of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester, Univ of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics

  • James Ryan Rygg

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Univ of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester, University of Rochester, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Univ of Rochester, Univ of Rochester

  • Xuchen Gong

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Lab for Laser Energetics

  • J H Henry Eggert

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Amy Jenei

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Malcolm I McMahon

    Univ of Edinburgh