Uncovering nuclear quantum effects in superionic ice at extreme P-T conditions

We aim to extend our investigations on superionic water ice under extreme pressure and temperature, following proposals HC-4677 and HC-5078. Previously, we implemented a novel sample assembly enabling efficient laser-heating of confined H2O in the diamond anvil cell, revealing a remarkable volume thermal expansion of fcc ice indicative of superionic conduction. Discrepancies between advanced ab-initio calculations and experiments suggest nuclear quantum effects influence. We propose studying deuterated ice (D2O) to explore this further. These measurements have the potential to challenge ab-initio calculations. It should also help refine icy planetary interior models and deepen our understanding of hydrogen bonds in extreme conditions.