High-pressure physics: the 1-megabar mark on the ruby r1 static pressure scale.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• High-Pressure Physics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Static high-pressure research is crucial for understanding material properties under extreme conditions.
• Accurate pressure calibration is essential for the reliability of high-pressure experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavior of ruby crystals under extreme static pressures.
• To establish a new benchmark for static pressure calibration in experimental settings.

Main Methods:

• Subjecting ruby crystals to static pressure exceeding 1 megabar within a diamond-windowed pressure cell.
• Continuously monitoring pressure by observing the spectral shift of the ruby R(1) fluorescence line.
• Utilizing a cadmium-helium gas-diffusion laser for excitation.

Main Results:

• Ruby crystals were successfully subjected to static pressures greater than 1 megabar.
• The R(1) fluorescence line shift provided a reliable method for continuous pressure monitoring.
• This experiment represents the highest static pressure achieved with internal calibration.

Conclusions:

• Pressures exceeding 1 megabar are attainable in static experimental conditions.
• Ruby fluorescence is a viable and precise internal calibrant for ultra-high static pressure measurements.
• The study sets a new standard for static pressure experimentation and calibration.