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，配合原位高压高温实验装置，在极端条件及此前未被探索的动力学区间内，针对玻璃形成体开展突破性的全新实验研究。本项目得益于欧洲同步辐射装置（ESRF）当前实施的超高亮度光源（Extremely Brilliant Source, EBS）升级计划，该升级使XPCS技术实现了革命性突破：相干通量提升百倍，且可覆盖最高达25 keV的硬X射线波段。探明玻璃形成体内部的弛豫过程及其在压力、温度等外加约束条件下的演化规律，不仅具有重要的理论价值，同时具备显著的应用前景——可为优化玻璃形成体在加工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，将受到众多跨领域科研人员的广泛关注。