DAC sample preparation

Our sample preparation facilities begin with a large stock of natural and synthetic minerals and metals, mostly powders. Samples can be weighed out using our balance, and then powdered and/or mixed using our mechanical ball mill.

We have a small piston–cylinder press that we most often use for synthesizing starting materials, such as iron alloys.

We currently have 15 symmetric-type Princeton diamond anvil cells for generating high pressures (up to ~200 GPa or higher). Force is applied by manually turning two pairs of screws, compressing a sample between the tips of the two diamond anvils. (We also use short symmetric cells and cells for radial diffraction as needed.)

Sample chambers are drilled into pre-indented gaskets using an electric discharge machine (EDM) or our laser drilling system.

Samples are loaded into the gaskets under one of our three microscopes (Leica S Apo, Leica M205, Olympus SZX16), and can be photographed for documentation using the M205.

Pressure is monitored using the shift in ruby fluorescense or diamond Raman spectra with pressure, using our Horiba XploRA Plus Raman Microscope, which can also be used to perform high pressure Raman spectroscopy measurements.

We also have the capability to load cryogenic liquid pressure media (such as Ar or N) in our lab as needed.

Photos coming soon!