Revisiting the P/T phase diagram of niobium, a key element for modern high-tech industry

Niobium (Nb) exhibits a remarkable high thermal stability and electronic properties. Despite its multiple applications in our modern industry, large uncertainties remain on its phase diagram including its high-pressure melting temperature and solid-solid phase transitions. To better understand the structural and electronic changes in Nb at relevant P/T conditions, we propose in this project to use time-resolved pulsed laser heating nano-XAS/XRD studies at the new ID24-DCM and ID27 beamlines of the ESRF-EBS, which may allow overcoming previous reported experimental limitations. The yet poorly explored electronic properties of pure Nb at extreme conditions could be of critical importance for potential new applications and industrial uses.