Structural Studies of Materials Under Extreme Conditions Using X-ray and Neutron Diffraction

by Christopher Howard (FRM II, BGI)

Monday 18 May 2026, 14:30 → 15:30 Europe/Berlin

PH HS 3 (Physics Department)

High-pressure research provides unique access to structural and physical phenomena inaccessible through temperature or chemical modification alone. Performing neutron powder diffraction under extreme conditions presents significant technical challenges, including constrained sample environments, high background, and limited sample volume. This talk will present experiences from high-pressure diffraction studies and outline the development of SAPHiR, a dedicated neutron powder diffractometer designed to expand high-pressure capabilities. Opportunities for future experiments in deformation studies and planetary materials research will be discussed, as well as implementing a virtual instrument for SAPHiR using McStas simulations.