LLNL Refines Diamond Melting Curve Under Extreme Pressure

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) blasted diamond samples with a laser and used X-ray diffraction to track melting under a shockwave. Earlier estimates of the melting temperature were off by hundreds of degrees. The data matters for planetary science and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) at the NIF facility.

• Laser ablation sent a shockwave through diamond, melting the sample
• X-ray diffraction pinned down the exact melting temperature under pressure
• Previous estimates were off by hundreds of degrees
• Findings matter for planetary science and ICF at NIF, not fusion power