Optical Studies of f-electron Materials Under High Pressure

We are currently developing optical techniques for the study of f-electron materials under high static and dynamic pressures. Static pressures will be obtained using a diamond anvil cell and dynamic high pressures will be obtained using a pulsed laser system. Laser induced fluorescence using continuous wave ultraviolet and visible laser lines will be used for the purpose of characterizing the electronic structure of the materials and to obtain signatures of phase transitions. Preliminary data will be presented.