Static ultrahigh pressures above 500 kilobars

Abstract

A two‐stage apparatus for ultrahigh pressures has been developed. It consists of a pair of Bridgman anvils in a Bundy‐type high compression belt. A normal working pressure for this arrangement is 160 kilobars in the outside belt, which gives around 700 kilobars between both Bridgman anvils or only 500 kilobars if we consider Drickamer's new calibration values. A new calibration point is proposed: ZnS maximum of resistance at 640 or 480 kilobars. The apparatus is capable of reaching pressures far above the last known calibration point of ZnS at 550 or 415 kilobars in a new scale. Attempts to convert graphite to metallic carbon without heating have not been successful.