Simple Molecular Systems at Ultrahigh Pressures

该项目将在广泛的温度范围内对压力超过300 GPa（3兆巴）的简单分子系统进行一系列实验研究。该研究利用了金刚石砧室技术的许多发展，包括利用同步加速器x射线，光谱学和传输探针的分析方法的进步。氢占主导地位的简单分子固体，合金和选定的元素将被检查，以寻找金属化和超导性。新发现的高压相的晶体结构和电子结构将使用同步加速器X射线技术来确定。将探索新发现的高压辐射化学。通过提高我们对凝聚态物质中基本相互作用的理解，该项目将影响从纳米科学到巨行星内部的物理科学领域。拟议的工作将展示基础科学和新技术之间的协同作用，包括解决未来的能源问题。该项目将推进在更极端条件下研究物质所需的技术。这项研究将寻求提高国家主要设施的能力，并将培养博士后研究员以及高中生、本科生、研究生，非技术性本项目将通过对承受3兆巴以上压力的简单分子物质的实验研究来探索物质的本质（300万倍大气压）在从接近绝对零度到数千度的广泛温度范围内。该项目利用了许多最新的发展，既可以使材料经受这些极端条件，又可以在这些条件下用同步加速器X射线、激光和新的磁性和电学方法探测样品。富含氢的分子将被转化为新型金属和超导体，金属氢的性质将被探索，这是一种具有奇异性质的全新物质状态。预计在极端条件下材料的晶体结构和化学键的急剧变化将使用各种同步加速器X射线方法来确定。结果影响材料科学，纳米科学，行星科学和天体物理学。这项工作将导致新的高能材料，新型超导体，气体存储材料和超硬材料的发展。这项研究将提高主要国家设施的能力，并将培训高中生、本科生、研究生、博士后助理和高级科学家。因此，预计将对科学和社会产生广泛的影响。

TechnicalA series of experimental studies of simple molecular systems to pressures above 300 GPa (3 megabars) over a broad range of temperatures will be carried out in this project. The research takes advantage of numerous developments in diamond-anvil cell techniques, including advances in analytical methods that utilize synchrotron x-radiation, optical spectroscopy, and transport probes. Hydrogen-dominant simple molecular solids, alloys, and selected elements will be examined to search for metallization and superconductivity. The crystal structures and electronic structures of newly discovered high-pressure phases will be determined using synchrotron x-ray techniques. Newly discovered high-pressure radiation chemistry will be explored. By improving our understanding of fundamental interactions in condensed matter, the project will impact areas of the physical sciences as diverse as nanoscience to the interiors of giant planets. The proposed work will showcase the synergy between fundamental science and new technologies, including addressing future energy problems. The project will advance technology necessary for studying matter under more extreme conditions. The research will seek to enhance capabilities major national facilities, and will train post-doctoral fellows as well as high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and visiting investigators.Non-technicalThis project will explore the nature of matter through experimental studies of simple molecular substances subjected to pressures to above 3 megabars (3 million times atmospheric pressure) over a broad range of temperatures from near absolute zero to many thousands of degrees. The project takes advantage of numerous recent developments in the ability both to subject materials to these extreme conditions and to probe samples under those conditions with synchrotron x-rays, lasers, and new magnetic and electrical methods. Hydrogen-rich molecules will be transformed into new kinds of metals and superconductors, and the nature of metallic hydrogen, a predicted entirely new state of matter with exotic properties, will be explored. The dramatic changes in crystal structure and chemical bonding expected for materials under extreme conditions will be determined using a variety of synchrotron x-ray methods. The results impact materials science, nanoscience, planetary science, and astrophysics. The work will lead to development of new energetic materials, novel superconductors, gas storage materials, and superhard materials. The research will enhance capabilities at major national facilities, and will train high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and senior scientists. Impacts on both science and society broadly are therefore expected.