DAC Tools, LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 17a

Description

A large number of physical phenomena, such as superconductivity, magnetic ordering, and quantum critical phenomena, often appear only at very low temperatures below 5 K. There is an immense interest to investigate these phenomena at high pressure as a means of tuning interatomic distances, and thus the interaction parameters controlling these phenomena, in a continuous and controlled fashion. The simultaneous generation of high pressure and ultra-low temperatures is a well-known problem for neutron scattering, in particular at multi-GPa pressures where the pressure cells are rather massive and therefore need more complex cryogenic and pressure control solutions. Thus, the current P-T condition for neutron scattering experiments are limited to either relatively low pressures of about 2 GPa at temperatures below 5 K, or to relatively high temperatures at pressures or tens of GPa. The ability to reach 10-20 GPa at 1-2K and having the ability to control pressure and temperature rapidly and reliably online (i.e. without having to interrupt the experiment) is critical for understanding the behavior of functional materials at such extreme condition. In this proposal, DAC Tools will design an integrated fast-cooling low-temperature sample environment cryogenic system compatible with state of the art neutron diamond anvil cells suitable for single-crystal neutron scattering experiments for temperatures down to 2K and pressures of several tens of GPa. The integrated system will consist of top-loading Helium flow cryostat with in-situ sample alignment mechanisms, large-volume diamond anvil cells (DAC) made from novel superalloy Pascalloy and optimized for fast cooling and heating, and a compact pressure control mechanism for the DAC based on a novel concept of single and double inflatable membranes integrated with a lever-arm based force amplifier. In Phase I, we will complete a preliminary design of the cryogenic system and optimized diamond anvil cell. We will design, manufacture, and test prototypes of the novel compact force-amplified pressure control mechanisms and different temperas of Pascalloy which can be used with large volume neutron Diamond anvil cells at cryogenic conditions. The high pressure and extreme condition sample environments field continues to grow at an ever increasing rate; as a result the demand for greater pressure and temperature capabilities combined with more rapid and reliable rates of change will lead to high commercialization potential. The proposed new cryogenic high-pressure system or any of its individual components will be in high demand not only in neutron scattering facilities, but also at synchrotron beamlines and other high-pressure research facilities around the world.