Discussion Overview
The discussion focuses on the limiting factors in Diamond Anvil Cells (DACs) that restrict the achievable pressure levels, particularly around 7 to 8 Mbar. Participants explore the reasons behind the design choices of DACs, including the use of diamond tips versus larger parallel plates, and the implications of sample size on pressure application.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Gabriele questions why DACs use diamond tips that are prone to fracture instead of larger smooth diamond plates, suggesting that larger plates might be more resistant to fracture.
- Raj proposes that the small size of the sample in DACs allows for higher pressure due to the relationship between force and area, implying that smaller samples can achieve greater pressure with less force.
- Gabriele further speculates that if larger samples could be compressed with a larger force, then parallel flat diamond plates could be used instead of tips, potentially reducing the risk of fracture.
- A later reply acknowledges Gabriele's supposition but emphasizes that using larger plates would require significantly more force due to the increased area, suggesting a tradeoff between design considerations such as lifetime and cost in existing DACs.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the design of DACs and the implications of sample size and pressure application. There is no consensus on the best approach or the reasons behind current design choices.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include assumptions about the relationship between sample size, pressure, and force, as well as the potential tradeoffs in design that have not been fully explored or quantified in the discussion.
