X-ray Raman scattering, X-ray emission and optical spectroscopy of matter at extreme conditions: Structure of melts and molecular compounds

This long term project aims for the implementation of a power-stabilized CO2 laser heating setup coupled to diamond anvil cell technique and optical Raman spectroscopy at the X-ray Raman spectrometer of beamline ID20 of ESRF. This instrumentation will enable unique in-situ studies of low-Z element compounds at extreme conditions, extracting information of local and long-range structure as well as electronic properties of disordered matter. We aim to explore silicate glasses and melts in order to reveal the structure and electronic state of relevant magmas. Second, we will investigate the chemistry of the light compounds H2O, CO2 and NH3 at extreme conditions which is highly relevant for the dynamics and formation of giant-gas and most exoplanets. The setup will significantly extend the capabilities of beamline ID20 and cross not only new frontiers in geoscientific applications but addresses likewise a broad user-base in diverse areas such as chemistry, physics and materials science.