Isentropic Compression of Argon
Abstract
We are studying the transition of argon from an insulator to a conductor by compressing the frozen gas isentropically to pressures at which neighboring atomic orbitals overlap sufficiently to allow some electron motion between atoms. Argon and the other rare gases have closed electron shells and therefore remain monatomic, even when they solidify. Their simple structure makes it likely that any measured change in conductivity is due to changes in the atomic structure, not in molecular configuration. As the crystal is compressed the band gap closes, allowing increased conductivity. We have begun research to determine the conductivity at high pressures, and it is our intention to determine the compression at which the crystal becomes a metal. Details of the equation-of-state calculations will be given by Kress and Collins, paper P2- 1 of this conference. Here we describe the experimental techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA640371
Entities
People
- A. I. Bykov
- C. A. Ekdahl
- Henn Oona
- J. C. Solem
- L. R. Veeser
- P. J. Rodriguez
- S. M. Younger
- V. V. Aseeva
- W. D. Turley
- W. Lewis
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory