PRESS-MAG-O: A new facility to probe materials and phenomena under extreme conditions

Abstract

Abstract-In the recent years several experiments performed under high magnetic fields [HMF], at high pressure [HP] and/or at low temperature [LT] have led to spectacular discoveries in condensed matter. In many new systems, although challenging, it is strategic to perform a Magneto-Optical analysis, to investigate the phonon behavior in the far infrared (IR) domain. By combining HMF and HP in a wide temperature (T) range to perform simultaneously IR magneto-optics and ac-magneto-dynamic experiments, it will be possible to achieve unique information on systems and/or new phenomena, almost impossible to obtain with standard spectroscopic methods. Here we present PRESS-MAG-O, a new facility under construction that will perform HP experiments under HMF in a wide T range. The system is expected to be operational by the end of 2007 and will be tested at SINBAD, the IR synchrotron radiation beamline operational since 2001 at DAΦNE, the storage ring of the INFN Frascati National Laboratory (LNF). While for IR experiments an interferometer will be used, for the magneto-dynamic experiments a SQUID magnetometer in the 10 Hz -2 KHz frequency range will be utilized. HP will be applied to samples by a Cu-Be diamond anvil cell (DAC), so that the device will be able to collect FTIR spectra and high harmonic ac susceptibility data in a dc magnetic field up to 8 T and to about 20 GPa in a wide temperature range (4.2-200 K).Phase Transition, High Pressure, High Harmonic Magnetic ac susceptibility measurements, IR spectroscopy.

Status of PRESS-MAG-O: The experimental apparatus to probe materials and phenomena under extreme conditions at Frascati

“…The cryostat allows concurrent magneto-optics experiments thanks to two optical windows transmitting light from the visible down to the far-IR range. An important component of this device is the 'sample-insert' device designed to host the Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) and a miniaturized magnetometer with sensitivity in the fT range [2].…”

“…The apparatus has been completely developed at the INFN as the result of a project funded by the INFN [2]. Materials like ferroelectrics or superconducting systems, magnetic transitions and new condensed matter phases can be investigated with this device that permits concurrent magnetic and optical experiments.…”

Graphitic Patterns on CVD Diamond Plate as Microheating/Thermometer Devices

“…5,7,8 Some DAC experimental layouts allow an external laser to better control the sample heating. 4,10 In this case, drawbacks are possible because of instabilities and the occurrence of a high thermal gradient on the metallic gasket where the sample is loaded.…”

“…1−4 Indeed, in a typical high-pressure experiment, a small sample is loaded inside a DAC where it may experience extreme conditions of pressure, magnetic field, and high/low temperature. 5,6 When simultaneous or concurrent experiments have to be performed on a sample inside a DAC, e.g., IR spectroscopy and AC susceptibility measurements, 7,8 the diagnostics to control the physical parameters of the experiment, such as temperature, must be reliable to fulfill ultimate requirements and be extremely compact. In fact, the temperature distribution inside a DAC cell is affected by a weak heat confinement, and a large dissipation is present.…”

PRESS-MAG-O: a unique instrument to probe materials and phenomena under extreme conditions at Frascati

“…This apparatus is the result of a project funded by theV th National Committee of the INFN [2,3]. Materials such as ferroelectric or superconducting systems, magnetic transitions and new condensed matter phases may be investigated with this device, which will allow concurrent magnetic and optical experiments.…”