Measuring the Melt curve of 7LiD at High Pressures

Lithium Deuteride (LiD) has been studied at ambient temperatures at high pressure using both x-ray and neutron diffraction but to date there have been no experimental studies to confirm theoretical prediction of the high-pressure high temperature (HPHT) properties of LiD. We propose to investigate the high-pressure high temperature behaviour of commercially available 7LiD with neutron diffraction. We will observe structural changes approaching melting and measure data points on the melting curve. By looking at the structure approaching melting we will look for dissociation of the Li and H species or changes to the stoichiometry that would give rise to new structural phases. The evolution of the liquid structure under pressure will also be measured for the first time. All these measurements would add detail to the growing volume of theoretical work