Apparatus for neutron diffraction at high pressure

Abstract

Powder neutron diffraction data have been obtained on cesium metal above the two transitions at 42.5 and 43 kilobar using a piston cylinder apparatus. A Lucalox cylinder (high density Al2O3) (35.4 mm o.d., 6.35 mm i.d.) is radially supported by compressing two steel plates with a hydraulic ram leaving a neutron window between the plates ∼6 mm high. A 17° included angle was used between the cylinder and support plates. A tungsten carbide piston, driven by a second hydraulic ram, raised the pressure on the sample at three times the rate of increase of the support pressure.