Dynamical processes in out-of-equilibrium materials at extreme conditions

The principle aim of this project is to perform new ground breaking experiments in glass formers at extreme conditions and in a previously unexplored dynamical range by using X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) at high energy and in combination with in-situ high pressure and high temperature devices. This takes benefits from the current EBS upgrade of ESRF which has revolutionized the XPCS technique thanks to a 100 times higher coherent flux with the extension into hard x-rays up to 25 keV. The knowledge of the relaxation processes occurring in glass formers and their evolution under applied constraints like pressure and temperature is important not only from the theoretical point of view, but also for technological applications as it may provide important receipes for improving their stability and properties during processing and operation. The extension of XPCS to studies at extreme conditions will be of interest of many scientist working in different fields.

本项目的核心目标是借助高能X射线光子关联谱（X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, XPCS）技术，并配合原位高压高温实验装置，在极端条件下针对玻璃形成体开展突破性全新实验，探索此前尚未被涉足的动力学区间。该研究依托欧洲同步辐射装置（European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, ESRF）当前的超亮光源（Extremely Brilliant Source, EBS）升级项目——此次升级使XPCS技术实现革命性突破，相干通量提升百倍，且可将测试范围拓展至最高25 keV的硬X射线波段。阐明玻璃形成体中的弛豫过程及其在压力、温度等外场约束下的演化规律，不仅具有重要的理论价值，同时也具备显著的应用前景：该研究可为优化玻璃形成体在制备与运行过程中的稳定性与性能提供关键指导方案。将XPCS技术拓展至极端条件下的研究领域，将受到众多跨学科科研工作者的广泛关注。