High Pressure In-Situ Neutron Diffraction under Gigapascal of Iron

The unique properties of neutron, such as its sensitivity to light elements and isotope, its capability of detecting magnetic structures, and its high penetrating power, make neutron diffraction an almost perfect method for scattering investigation of various materials, such as energetic compounds, hydrous minerals, superconductors, and magnetic materials.Based on a newly built and operated neutron source at Mianyang (China Mianyang Research Reactor, CMRR), we have been able to establish and develop some high pressure in-situ neutron diffraction techniques.With our own developed large-volume panoramic-type opposed anvil cell, we are currently able to collect the in-situ neutron diffraction patterns under a high pressure beyond gigapascal, and by employing the tungsten carbide anvil and applying the loading force at 150kN, we compressed the iron sample of 6mm³ volume up to 5GPa and collected neutron diffraction patterns within a few hours.By optimizing and combining our techniques, or by using the diamond anvil cell, we can obtain a spectrum of in-situ neutron diffraction under pressures that may be extended to over 10GPa.