Acoustic detection of phase transitions at high pressure: Bismuth, chlorite and zinc sulphide

Abstract

We present examples of detection of high-pressure phase transitions in three different materials using acoustic emission monitoring in a multi-anvil cell. The technique is sensitive to spontaneous strains as small as ∼ 10⁻¹² m³. We suggest that monitoring acoustic emissions might prove useful in studying the kinetics of phase transformation and in performing pressure calibrations in systems where no electrical signal, or other in situ probe method, is readily available.

Keywords:

• solid-media apparatus
• acoustic emissions
• phase transitions

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NERC grant NE/C510308/1. DPD gratefully acknowledges his Royal Society University Research Fellowship.