Isentropic Compression of Argon
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 montomic, 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.
- Research Organization:
- Bechtel Nevada Corporation (US); Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-96NV11718
- OSTI ID:
- 14014
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NV/11718-142; LA-UR-97-2342; TRN: US0110946
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 11th IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference, Baltimore, MD (US), 07/02/1997; Other Information: PBD: 1 Aug 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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