Investigation of null-matrix alloy gaskets for a diamond-anvil-cell on high pressure neutron diffraction experiments

ABSTRACT To investigate a gasket of null-matrix alloys suitable for high pressure neutron diffraction measurements using diamond-anvil-cells (DACs), high pressure experiments were conducted with TiZr and Mn-Cu-Ni-Fe (M2052) alloys as gaskets. The M2052 gasket was retained at least up to 20 and 43 GPa using the flat surface anvils of 1.5 and 1.0 mm culet sizes, respectively, whereas the TiZr gasket was broken at a range of 15–20 GPa with a 1.5 mm culet size. Furthermore, the M2052 gasket behaved as a null-matrix alloy in high pressure neutron diffraction measurements, and we obtained a satisfactory diffraction profile with no diffraction peaks from the gasket. This finding of the M2052 gasket will lead to a more accurate structural analysis in neutron experiments using the DAC.