Diamond Anvil Cells Assembly

In a diamond anvil cell, a sample is pressurized by squeezing between two gem-quality diamonds. The sample is held within a small hole (typically 300 microns or less in diameter) within a thin steel sheet. Extreme pressures (1-300 GPa) can be readily achieved by using the diamond anvil cell. Since diamond is transparent across a large portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, we can use almost all solid-state analytical techniques for in situ high-pressure study. The primary techniques we are currently using are optical spectroscopy (Raman and Brillouin scattering) and x-ray diffraction using the highest intensity synchrotron x-ray sources available in the world.

The two diamonds are contained within a piston-cylinder device. Many different designs are available depending on the needs of a particular experiment. Our former department machinist, George Rose, made our diamond cells.

Types of Diamond Anvil Cells in the laboratory

Diamond Anvil Cells

Diamond Anvil Cells.

Four post cell

Four post cell.

Mao-type symmetric cell.

Mao-type symmetric cell.

Mao-type short symmetric cell.

Mao-type short symmetric cell.

Panoramic cell.

Panoramic cell.