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Vol 62, No 1 (2019)

Nuclear Experimental Technique

A Compact Proton Injector Based on the Electron Cyclotron Resonance

Konstantinov S.G.

Abstract

A proton injector based on electron cyclotron resonance is described. It can operate for a long time without the need to apply a high voltage to its power-supply equipment without providing a coolant. For a supplied microwave power of ~150 W, the extracted ion current in a continuous mode was 17 mA at an energy of 45 keV and a proton content of 68%. The proton-beam divergence was 0.4°, and the normalized rms emittance was ε = 0.13π mm mrad.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):1-4
pages 1-4 views

The Long-Term Stability of a Fused-Silica Proportional Counter

Abdurashitov D.N., Chernov V.G.

Abstract

The long-term stability of the counting and spectrometric characteristics of a fused silica proportional counter has been investigated to assess its applicability to search for an admixture of sterile neutrinos. The results of continuous measurements of the K-peak position in the spectrum of deposited energies from decay of 37Ar traces in a counter filled with CO2 are presented. It is shown that the gas amplification remained stable within 0.1% during 1 month of continuous measurements at an initial isotope activity of approximately 100 Bq. This estimate of the stability of a fused silica counter is 5 times better than the values published earlier.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):5-9
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A Liquid Scintillator Detector for the Carpet-3 Experiment

Afashokov Y.Z., Dzhappuev D.D., Klimenko N.F., Kudzhaev A.U., Mikhailova O.I., Khadzhiev M.M.

Abstract

A new liquid scintillator detector created at the Carpet-2 air shower array of the Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the Institute for Nuclear Research is described. The detectors of this type will be placed in the modules of the ground-surface part of the new Carpet-3 array, which will be used to study galactic diffuse γ rays with energies of primary gamma rays Eγ > 100 TeV. For this detector the most probable amplitude of the anode signal from extensive air showers (EAS) is approximately 13 mV, while the energy resolution is ~42%. The inhomogeneity of the light-collection coefficient is 0.26. The number of photoelectrons at the photocathode is approximately 360. The detector is easy to operate and costs less than the traditional scintillation detectors used in our air-shower array.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):10-13
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Effect of the Magnetic Field on the Performance of Nuclear Enterprises 663c Photomultiplier Tube

Ollah E.A., Somayyeh L.G., Ali P.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of magnetic field on the performance of Nuclear Enterprises 663c Photomultiplier Tube. A Helmholtz coils system was used to generate a uniform magnetic field. Generated magnetic field was in 4.6, 5.4, and 7 G and our measurements showed that it was a uniform magnetic field in the center volume of the Helmholtz coils. Measurements were performed for three different operating voltages of the PMT and at different angles between direction of the magnetic field and the detector. Based on our experiments, the 7 G magnetic field decreased the performance of the PMT up to 97.025%. Also, magnetic field of the earth decreased relative efficiency of the PMT by 20%. The interference of the magnetic field was maximum at the angle of around 60°. We conclude that strong magnetic field can significantly affect performance of a Nuclear Enterprises 663c PMT.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):14-17
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Application of Computers in Experiment

The Integrated Data-Acquisition System of the T-11M Tokamak

Dzhurik A.S., Belov A.M.

Abstract

The key characteristics of the functioning system for acquisition and storage of experimental data from the T-11M tokamak, as well as the reasons for its complete replacement, are presented. The requirements for the new system and the results of its development are described.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):18-21
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A Device for Recording TV Images with High Intensity Resolution and Stroboscopic Recording Mode

Arakcheev P.V., Buryi E.V., Semerenko D.A.

Abstract

A device for providing registration of grayscaled images that are formed by an analog television camera with transformation of the intensities of discrete spatial samples of an image into a 10-bit digital code is described. A method for visualizing the images with a high intensity resolution on the screen of a typical monitor, which provides rendering of more than 1000 gray tones, is proposed and its practicality is discussed. The method of implementing the stroboscopic mode of recording physical processes, which are initiated by the action of electrical pulses of the signal source, is described and the results of its application to the analysis of thermal processes in semiconductor laser diode arrays are presented.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):22-25
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A Correlation Counter Based on an Oscilloscope and a Computer

Kazachek M.V., Gordeychuk T.V.

Abstract

A low-cost two-channel correlation and autocorrelation counter has been developed for analyzing photon pulses from photomultiplier tubes. It includes a digital oscilloscope with the function of signal storage and transmission and a computer used to set the thresholds and to count pulses and their correlations. The time resolution determined by the oscilloscope is half of the shortest digitization time, i.e., 1 ns in our case. The counter may find application in nuclear physics and laser location. Short sonoluminescence pulses are investigated in our study.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):26-27
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Electronics and Radio Engineering

A Synchronization System for the Pulse-Periodic Operating Mode of Active Media on Self-Terminating Transitions in Metal Vapors

Trigub M.V., Vasnev N.A., Evtushenko G.S., Dimaki V.A.

Abstract

Abstract—The results of the development of a synchronization system (modulator) of two active elements based on copper bromide vapors are presented. The main features of its design and operation are described. The working capacity of the device was investigated in a master oscillator–power amplifier system (MOPA system), for which the amplification characteristic was obtained. The modulator formed trigger pulses with rise times of at most 100 ns that were fed to the grids of TGI1-1000-25 thyratrons. The time shift between the triggering of the thyratrons is adjusted using a variometer with a positioning accuracy of no worse than 1 ns. The maximum time shift between pulses is 55 ns and it can be increased via the use of additional cable delay lines.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):28-32
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A High-Power Source of Ultrawideband Pulses of Synthesized Radiation

Efremov A.M., Koshelev V.I., Plisko V.V., Sevostyanov E.A.

Abstract

Abstract—A high-power source of ultrawideband radiation based on the synthesis of electromagnetic pulses with different frequency bands has been created. A four-channel former of highly stable bipolar pulses with durations of 0.5 and 1 ns was developed. Each element of a 2 × 2 array of combined antennas was excited from its former channel. Two modes of radiation synthesis were studied: according to the maximum field strength and the maximum spectrum width. For the first mode, radiation pulses with a frequency band of 0.39–2.13 GHz and an effective potential of 600 kV were obtained. Synthesized radiation pulses with an extended frequency band of 0.15–2.7 GHz and an effective potential of 200 kV were obtained in the second mode. The pulse repetition frequency was 100 Hz.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):33-41
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A Microwave Nonreciprocal Notch Filter Tunable by a Surface Acoustic Wave in Dynamic Magnonic Crystals

Kryshtal R.G., Kundin A.P., Medved A.V.

Abstract

The results of using a dynamic magnonic crystal, which is created by a surface acoustic wave (SAW) in the structure of a film of yttrium iron garnet on a gallium gadolinium garnet substrate, for the development of a tunable nonreciprocal microwave filter are presented. A filter prototype that operates in the range of 3600–4200 MHz at a magnetic bias field of 640 Oe was developed and its main characteristics were measured. At a SAW frequency of 41 MHz and a power of 30 mW, the rejection depth was 23 dB. A SAW-frequency change by 1 MHz shifted the rejection frequency by ~7 MHz. The inversion of the signal-propagation direction in the device resulted in a shift of the rejection frequency by the value of the SAW frequency. The possibilities of the further improvement of the parameters of this device are discussed.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):42-46
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General Experimental Techniques

Precision Measurement of the Lifetime of Negative SF6 Ions in a Mass-Spectrometric Experiment

Lukin V.G., Tuimedov G.M.

Abstract

A technique is described for correctly measuring the mean lifetime of negative ions produced by resonant capture of slow electrons by molecules in the course of investigations with a static MI-1201V mass spectrometer.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):47-51
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A Novel Metastable Atom Source Based on DC Glow Discharge Pinch

Das B.K., Das R., Sharma A.

Abstract

− Metastable atoms of noble gases have many applications in scientific research and industrial application. Though previously many such development of metastable atom sources are reported, in our endeavor for development of a source of this kind, we could develop a novel, simple structure, maintenance free glow discharge source that could produce metastable atoms of noble gases. This source is devised with two cathodes and a cylindrical anode paired with one permanent magnet. The electric field in between cathodes and the anode coupled with the magnetic field produce glow discharge in the centre of the source. The device was tested for various combination of anode voltage and filled helium pressure. The anode voltage was varied from 300 to 2000 V where as the filled pressure was varied from 450 mTorr to 1 Torr. The plasma extends to the outside of the source volume through the aperture in one of the cathode in form of a pinched glow. Due to this pinch, energetic electrons are generated and they excite the neutral atoms in their vicinity. The spectral lines of the glow discharge were observed by one optical spectrometer. Metastable helium atoms were observed at their transition wavelengths of 388.8 and 501.6 nm. The detail designing of the source and experimental results are reported in this article.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):52-55
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An Experimental Setup for Production of Polarized H2 and D2 Molecules

Toporkov D.K., Zevakov S.A., Nikolenko D.M., Rachek I.A., Shestakov Y.V., Yurchenko A.V.

Abstract

The setup is designed to produce spin-polarized hydrogen and deuterium molecules. Superconducting sextupole magnets with a magnetic induction of 3.4 T near the poles and a field gradient of 320 T/m were used for the spatial separation of molecules with different magnetic moments by spin filtration in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The choice of the location of the polarized-molecule source elements is justified. Cryogenic pumps are used in the molecular-beam detection chamber in order to obtain an ultrahigh vacuum. At a nozzle temperature of 7 K, the measured flux of spin-polarized hydrogen molecules is 3 × 1012 molecules/s. For deuterium, the measured flux is lower by more than seven times due to the small magnetic moments.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):56-61
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The Electromagnetic Compatibility of the VISAR Laser Interferometer with the Angara-5-1 Facility

Aleksandrov V.V., Branitskii A.V., Grabovskii E.V., Laukhin Y.N., Oleinik G.M., Tkachenko S.I., Frolov I.N.

Abstract

Experiments on the creation of megabar pressures and acceleration of metal flyers by the pressure of a pulsed magnetic field are being carried out at the Angara-5-1 facility. Velocities of up to 10 km/s were achieved. The velocities of flyers were recorded using the VISAR laser interferometer (velocity interferometer system for any reflector). The issues of the electromagnetic compatibility of the VISAR with the Angara-5-1 facility are considered, since the operation of this facility causes electromagnetic interference and when the magnetic self-isolation is established in the vacuum transmission lines, X-ray bremsstrahlung is generated and influences the optics, fiber-optic cables, and photomultipliers. The suppression of these two sources of interference made it possible to reliably register the VISAR signals and determine the velocity of a flyer.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):62-65
pages 62-65 views

Test Results of a Thick Gas Electron Amplifier with a New Design

Razin V.I.

Abstract

The results obtained in the study of the avalanche process of electron multiplication in a thick gas amplifier of a new design are presented. The main feature of the device is the separation of the upper and lower parts of the amplifier by a gas gap with the preservation of the polyimide film as an insulator on the inner surface of the hole electrodes. The width of this gap can vary in the range of 0.1–1.0 mm, depending on the electrode size. With this separation, the surface leakage currents are absent between the electrodes and the charge is not induced on the inner surface of the gas-discharge gap. Due to this solution, it is possible to minimize the probability of both surface and volume streamer phenomena that turn into a Geiger or spark discharge. As a result, a pulse amplitude of a few volts was measured across a load of 50 Ω in a gas mixture of Ar + 20% CO2 when the detector was irradiated with a 90Sr β source.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):66-68
pages 66-68 views

Physical Instruments for Ecology, Medicine, and Biology

A Low-Background Setup with an Increased Sensitivity for Detecting and Measuring Radioactive Contaminants

Aleshin V.I., Bakalyarov A.M., Zhukov S.V., Lebedev V.I., Sazonov S.B.

Abstract

A compact low-background setup for measuring radioactive contaminants in various materials is described. Two combined scintillation detectors consisting of two crystals with various decay times are used in the setup. In its sensitivity, the setup ranks between portable radiation-monitoring devices, whose sensitivity is insufficient for some applications, and unique large high-sensitivity systems. It may be a prototype of setups for radiation monitoring of samples for a wide range of applications.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):69-73
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A Laboratory Prototype of a Dust-Impact Mass Analyzer for the Interhelioprobe Mission

Moiseenko D.A., Vaisberg O.L., Glazkin D.N.

Abstract

A laboratory prototype of the dust-impact PIPLS-A mass analyzer for the Interhelioprobe mission has been developed. This instrument is intended to study particles of interplanetary and interstellar dust and to determine their main characteristics: the mass, the velocity components, and the elemental and isotope composition. A computer simulation of the dust-impact mass spectrometer has been performed. A design model of the instrument and a workstation for testing PIPLS-A instruments have been created. A laboratory prototype of the instrument was manufactured and tested, and the analysis of the test results is presented.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):74-77
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An Instrument for Highly Specific Detection of Biomarkers on a Quartz Resonator

Dultsev F.N., Nekrasov D.V., Kolosovsky E.A., Gusachenko A.V., Moiseev A.A., Vasilev V.V.

Abstract

An instrument has been developed for measuring the force of affine interactions, in particular, in biological systems. The structure of the instrument is described. It includes a replaceable cartridge with a quartz resonator for analyzing various biosystems by measuring the signal of detachment of molecules from the resonator surface. The instrument is a sensor device with which it is possible to analyze various biological objects, including viruses and bacteria, as well as to carry out DNA identification. Software has been developed to automate the processing of results and the identification of objects. The instrument can be used to carry out express analysis in medical institutions and research laboratories.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):78-84
pages 78-84 views

Laboratory Techniques

A Transport Container for Studying Deuterium Diffusion in Alkaline Metals inside an Accelerator Chamber Using the NRAOL Technique

Rybakov V.N., Vykhodets V.B., Kurennykh T.E., Obukhov S.I.

Abstract

The construction of a hermetic transport container for mounting alkaline metal samples in the vacuum chamber of an accelerator during online measurements of the deuterium diffusion coefficients in metals is described. A glass capsule containing an alkaline metal sample is unsealed in a special box with an inert gas atmosphere and the sample is placed in a cylindrical hollow at the surface of a flat metal plate of the container. After this, the hermetic transport container with the sample is fixed in place on a stationary holder inside the accelerator chamber and is unsealed after a high vacuum is attained in the chamber. Sodium samples are assessed using the nuclear reaction analysis. It is shown that the sodium purity in oxygen, carbon, and other low-Z elements meets the requirements of the accelerator technique.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):85-87
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An Experimental Setup for Studying the Deformation Dynamics of Metal Samples under Pulsed Magnetic Field

Kudasov Y.B., Makarov I.V., Platonov V.V., Surdin O.M., Maslov D.A., Voronov S.L., Malyshev A.Y., Korshunov A.S., Popov E.Y., Svetlov A.S.

Abstract

An experimental setup for studying the dynamics of deformation of a metal sample under the action of a magnetic-field pulse of a complex shape is presented. The slow part of a pulse has forward polarity (the amplitude is up to 15 T), while the fast part consists of a sequence of reverse-polarity pulses (the amplitudes are up to 4 T). This creates a pressure that causes attraction of a sample to an inductor. The device consists of four pulse current sources that operate simultaneously into one inductor. The generation of a pulsed magnetic field by inductors of two types is considered: a flat inductor (a double flat spiral) and a cylindrical inductor with a cutout concentrator of the magnetic field. The setup is equipped with a multipoint system for measuring the dynamics of the plate deformation during the exposure. The possibility of plastic deformations of copper, aluminum, and steel plates with thicknesses of up to 1 mm is shown.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):88-92
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Design and Construction of an Electrochemical Chamber and a High-Voltage AC Generator for Electrochemical Etching in CR-39 Polycarbonates Sheets

Flores A.L., Palomino-Merino R., Castaño V.M.

Abstract

An original design for an electrochemical chamber and the construction of a high-voltage AC generator for electrochemical etching (ECE) of nuclear tracks in CR-39 polycarbonates sheets are presented. The electrochemical chamber was designed and manufactured in an engineering plastic in a vertical machining center. The high-voltage AC generator was built by using different electronic circuits: a signal oscillator, a preamplifier, a power amplifier, two power supplies and a voltage converter transformer. The experimental tests showed that the design of the electrochemical chamber allowed that ECE be developed efficiently, achieving a dielectric breakdown in the polycarbonate, and the generator supplied the electric current in a stable manner and with an excellent performance throughout the ECE. The conditions of chemical etching and electrochemical etching, as well as the electrical treeing generated in the CR-39 are also presented.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):93-100
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An Installation for Fast and Safe Preparation of Working Mixtures in Reactors of Pulsed Chemical HF(DF) Lasers

Agroskin V.Y., Bravy B.G., Vasiliev G.K., Guriev V.I., Kashtanov S.A., Makarov E.F., Sotnichenko S.A., Chernyshev Y.A.

Abstract

A system for preparing working mixtures in reactors of pulsed chemical lasers based on the F2 + H2(D2) reactions is described. The design of a compact capillary mixer has been developed; its throughput of up to 2 (L atm)/s has been experimentally attained. A method for supplying gases using flow-control washers with holes operating in the critical mode is proposed. It provides a constant flow rate of mixed gases during the whole run-in. The described technology for preparing the working mixture of a pulsed chemical HF(DF) laser is theoretically analyzed and experimentally tested.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):101-104
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A Laboratory Setup for the Aerosol Deposition of Functional Ceramic Coatings

Akhmedov A.K., Abduev A.K., Asvarov A.S.

Abstract

The design of a laboratory setup for the dry aerosol deposition of ceramic coatings using powders with various granulometric and phase compositions is described. Data on the formation of TiO2 coatings from spherical rutile particles with a characteristic size of 20–50 μm are presented. It is shown that uniform heating of rutile particles in a gas–powder mixture to 600°C promotes the activation of their destruction and the increase in the efficiency of formation of nanostructured ceramic coatings with the initial phase composition.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):105-108
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Optimizing the Position of a Rotating Substrate during Magnetron Deposition of Thickness-Uniform Coatings

Rogov A.V., Kapustin Y.V.

Abstract

An analytical model of the sputter deposition on an inclined flat rotating substrate, which is shifted relative to the magnetron, is developed for a magnetron with a disk cathode. The angular distribution of sputtered atoms, the profile of the cathode erosion zone, and the energy efficiency of sputtering that were measured directly on the magnetron, were used as the initial data. The magnetron was used to verify the results of calculations. This made it possible to indirectly take such effects as scattering and diffusion of the sputtered material during its transport to the substrate into account, as well as the design features of the magnetron. The calculation and experimental verification of its accuracy were carried out for Cu. The results of the numerical analysis of the presence of such a substrate position, which is optimal according to the criterion of the maximum sputtered-material transfer to the substrate, are presented. It was shown that there is only one set of optimal positioning parameters that meet this requirement. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of material transfer with and without a substrate tilt was performed. It was shown that a tilt provides a significant (more than 60% for the magnetron used) increase in the material transfer. These results can be used to optimize the sputter deposition process with increased requirements for the thickness uniformity of a coating and for the complex development of the deposition equipment.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):109-115
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A Tomographic System for Measuring Local Flame Temperatures Using a Spectral-Ratio Pyrometer

Poroykov A.Y., Flanden V.S., Lapitskiy K.M.

Abstract

A method for measuring local flame temperatures using a spectral-ratio pyrometer and a tomographic system based on this method are described. The theoretical substantiation of the proposed measurement method is given. A block diagram of the system containing four measuring mirrors and one multiplexing mirror is shown. The results of the computer simulation are presented, with which it is possible to estimate the error of the system depending on the number of mirrors used in it. The software developed for carrying out measurements with the maximum degree of automation under the test-bench conditions is described. The results of an experimental study using the tomographic system for measuring the field of local flame temperatures of a gas burner (in the range of 1500–2300 K) are presented. The results demonstrate the operability of the developed system.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):116-122
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An Experimental Setup for Pulse Heating of Bodies in Crossed Gas Flows

Dobroselsky K.G., Nebuchinov A.S., Yudin P.V., Palymskiy V.I., Antipin V.A.

Abstract

An experimental setup designed to study the processes of unsteady heat exchange in the interaction of a pulsating turbulent heated-air jet with a model object, which is placed in a stationary drifting flow of cold air, was developed. In fact, this is the interaction of a vertical heated jet with a transverse drifting “cold” stream, during which an object is periodically heated and cooled at a given pulsation frequency of the jet. The design of the setup and its main element, a device for creating a pulsating jet, are described in detail. The characteristics of the pulsating heated jet and the drifting flow in the working region of the setup are given. As an example, the results of nonstationary heating of the plate of a pyroelectric transducer by a pulsating heated jet and subsequent cooling when interrupting the flow of the warm gas are presented.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):123-128
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A Pulsed Thermal Calibration Device

Zhilin J.V., Salimyanova J.A., Shamshurin A.A.

Abstract

A pulsed thermal calibration device has been designed to calibrate nonstationary heat flux sensors that are fixed in place on models for studying heat transfer in wind tunnels. The deep upgrading of the device has significantly expanded the range of its operating parameters: the heat-flow density increased from 0.01 to 50 W/cm2 and the flow temperature increased to 550°C. Operation of the device became easier and the restrictions on the sizes of the calibrated models were removed. The experimental results obtained in the measurements for a device equipped with a flexible electric heater are also presented.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):129-135
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A High-Pressure Diamond-Anvil Cell for Optical Studies at Low Temperatures

Novikov A.P., Lyapin S.G., Stishov S.M.

Abstract

A compact high-pressure diamond-anvil cell equipped with an interchangeable force-generating device has been constructed and tested. Force can be applied to the anvils both mechanically using screws or a hydraulic press and pneumatically, by feeding compressed gas into a metal double diaphragm. The cell dimensions (a diameter of 44 mm and a height of 40 mm) allow placing it in a cryostat with an inner diameter of 48 mm, so that the optical axis of the diamond anvils is perpendicular to the cryostat axis. The parts of the diamond cell and the force-generating device are made of non-magnetic materials, which allows investigation in magnetic fields.

Instruments and Experimental Techniques. 2019;62(1):136-141
pages 136-141 views