Observation of the shock-induced β-Sn to b.c.t.-Sn transition using time-resolved X-ray diffraction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• High-Pressure Physics

Background:

• Understanding the phase behavior of tin (Sn) under extreme conditions is crucial for materials science.
• Previous studies on tin phase transitions have relied on static compression methods, limiting dynamic insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic phase transition of tin (Sn) under shock compression using time-resolved X-ray diffraction.
• To determine the stability boundaries of tin phases during dynamic compression and release.
• To observe the structural evolution of tin during rapid pressure changes.

Main Methods:

• Time-resolved X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on dynamically compressed tin (Sn) up to ~13 GPa.
• Experiments were conducted at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, utilizing synchrotron X-ray diffraction.
• Analysis focused on changes in diffraction patterns during shock compression and subsequent release.

Main Results:

• The phase transition from beta-tin (β-Sn) to body-centered tetragonal (b.c.t.) tin was observed for the first time under shock compression.
• The β-Sn phase was found to be stable at ~2 GPa higher pressure during compression compared to static data.
• The b.c.t.-Sn phase was stable at ~1 GPa lower pressure during release.
• A loss of texture was observed, transitioning from a quasi-single crystal β-Sn structure to a powder-like Debye-Scherrer ring upon transitioning to the high-pressure phase.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic compression of tin exhibits distinct phase transition boundaries compared to static compression.
• The observed changes in texture indicate significant structural rearrangement during the shock-induced phase transition.
• These findings provide critical data for understanding the dynamic behavior of materials under extreme pressures.