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Onset of ice VII phase during ps laser pulse propagation through liquid water

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2017-01-01
JournalAIP conference proceedings
AuthorsV. Rakesh Kumar, P. Prem Kiran
InstitutionsUniversity of Hyderabad
Citations1
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

6CCVD Technical Documentation: Analysis of Dynamic High-Pressure Ice VII Formation

Section titled “6CCVD Technical Documentation: Analysis of Dynamic High-Pressure Ice VII Formation”

This document analyzes the research article “Onset of ice VII phase during ps laser pulse propagation through liquid water” (AIP Conf. Proc. 1793, 090001, 2017). The study focuses on generating extreme GPa-level pressures dynamically using picosecond (ps) laser pulses to induce phase transitions in liquid water, a field highly reliant on the extreme mechanical and optical properties of CVD diamond.


The following points summarize the core technical achievements and the corresponding value proposition for 6CCVD’s advanced diamond materials:

  • Dynamic High-Pressure Generation: The research successfully induced the formation of the high-pressure ice VII phase in liquid water using 30 ps laser pulses, demonstrating GPa-level shock compression.
  • Reduced Energy Threshold: Utilizing ps pulses, the threshold for ice VII formation was drastically reduced to 3.5 ± 0.5 mJ, over 50 times lower than previously reported nanosecond (ns) laser excitation methods.
  • Mechanism Identification: The reduced threshold is attributed to the alignment of the H-bond network and efficient electron-ion energy transfer coinciding with the short pulse duration, supported by plasma shielding and filamentation.
  • Localized Extreme Conditions: Filamentation localized the high-pressure shockwaves, creating a sustained ice VII structure over 3-5 mm lengths and 45-57 ”m diameters.
  • Advanced Diagnostics: The study relies on Forward Stimulated Raman Scattering (FSRS) and longitudinal imaging, requiring high-purity, low-absorption optical components capable of handling high peak power densities.
  • 6CCVD Relevance: This research validates the need for robust, ultra-pure Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) and Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) optics, which 6CCVD supplies for high-power laser systems and Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) applications operating under extreme dynamic and static pressures (2-63 GPa).

The following hard data points were extracted from the experimental results:

ParameterValueUnitContext
Laser Pulse Duration30psExcitation source
Laser Wavelength532nmSecond harmonic of Nd:YAG
Repetition Rate10HzLaser operation frequency
Input Energy Range190 ”J to 16.2mJRange of varied input energy
Ice VII Formation Threshold3.5 ± 0.5mJ/pulseReduced threshold for phase transition
Ice VII Stability Pressure Range2 to 63GPaReferenced static stability range
Ice VII Raman Shift (A1g mode)3050cm-1Strongest vibrational mode observed
Liquid Water Raman Shift (OH)3400cm-1Dominant liquid water mode
Saturated Filament Length3.5 - 5.1mmLocalized high-pressure zone
Saturated Filament Diameter45 - 57”mLocalized high-pressure zone
Rayleigh Length (Zr)810”mFocused beam characteristic in water

The experiment utilized a specialized setup combining high-power laser focusing with advanced spectroscopic detection:

  1. Laser Source & Conditioning: Dual amplified 30 ps Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 10 Hz) was used. Input energy was precisely controlled using a Half Wave Plate (HWP) and Brewster Polarizer (BP).
  2. Focusing Geometry: A 150 mm anti-reflection coated plano-convex lens focused the 12 mm diameter laser beam into a 100x30x30 mm liquid water cuvette.
  3. Shockwave Generation: Laser energy density at the focal volume was sufficient to cause optical breakdown, generating a plasma plume and subsequent shockwave compression, leading to the formation of ice VII.
  4. FSRS Signal Collection: Collimated Forward Stimulated Raman Scattering (FSRS) signals were collected from the interaction zone via an optical fiber coupled to a spectrometer (Maya 2000).
  5. Signal Separation: A Constant Deviation Prism (CDP) and Neutral Density Filters (NDF) were employed to separate the Rayleigh, Stokes, and anti-Stokes satellites and prevent detector saturation.
  6. Filamentation Analysis: Self-emission and cavitation bubble generation were captured along the longitudinal direction using a CCD camera (SP620U) to visualize the high-pressure filament structure.

This research demonstrates the critical need for materials that can withstand extreme dynamic loading and offer superior optical transparency for high-power laser diagnostics. 6CCVD is uniquely positioned to supply the necessary MPCVD diamond components to replicate or extend this high-pressure research.

To ensure minimal absorption, high thermal conductivity, and maximum mechanical stability under GPa-level shock loading, 6CCVD recommends the following materials:

MaterialRecommended GradeKey Feature & Application6CCVD Capability
Single Crystal Diamond (SCD)Optical Grade (Low N)Ideal for high-power laser windows, lenses, and beam splitters where Ra < 1 nm polishing is required to minimize scattering and absorption.Thicknesses from 0.1 ”m up to 500 ”m.
Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD)Optical/Thermal GradeSuitable for large-area optical components (up to 125 mm diameter) or heat spreaders in the laser system, offering high thermal stability.Plates/wafers up to 125 mm diameter. Polishing Ra < 5 nm.
Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD)N/A (Electrochemical)While not used in this optical setup, BDD is available for future extensions involving electrochemical analysis under high pressure.Custom doping levels and dimensions available.

Customization Potential for Shock Compression Research

Section titled “Customization Potential for Shock Compression Research”

The precision required for focusing optics and cuvette windows in high-pressure experiments necessitates custom dimensions and finishing. 6CCVD offers comprehensive customization services:

  • Custom Dimensions: We provide SCD and PCD plates and wafers in custom sizes, ensuring perfect fit for specialized focusing geometries and high-pressure cells (e.g., Diamond Anvil Cell components).
  • Precision Polishing: We guarantee ultra-low surface roughness (Ra < 1 nm for SCD) critical for minimizing laser-induced damage and scattering losses at the 532 nm operating wavelength.
  • Metalization Services: Although not explicitly used in this setup, 6CCVD offers in-house metalization (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) for creating custom electrical contacts or reflective coatings on diamond surfaces, enabling integrated diagnostics.
  • Substrate Thickness: We can supply robust diamond substrates up to 10 mm thick for use as high-pressure windows or anvils, capable of withstanding the extreme mechanical stress referenced (2-63 GPa).

6CCVD’s in-house PhD team specializes in the application of MPCVD diamond in extreme environments, including high-power optics and high-pressure physics. We offer consultation on:

  • Optimizing material selection (SCD vs. PCD) based on required optical clarity, size, and mechanical load limits.
  • Designing custom diamond windows for dynamic shock compression experiments to maximize transmission efficiency and lifetime.
  • Integrating metalized diamond components into complex diagnostic setups, such as FSRS systems.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly. We ship globally (DDU default, DDP available).

View Original Abstract

Water dominantly present in liquid state on earth gets transformed to crystalline polymorphs under different dynamic loading conditions. Out of different crystalline phases discovered till date, ice VII is observed to be stable over wide pressure (2-63 GPa) and temperature (>273 K) ranges. The formation of ice VII crystalline structure has been vastly reported during high pressure static compression using diamond anvil cell and propagation of high energy (>50 mJ/pulse) nanosecond laser pulse induced dynamic high pressures through liquid water. We present the onset of ice VII phase at low threshold of 2 mJ/pulse during 30 ps (532 nm, 10 Hz) laser pulse induced shock propagating through liquid water. Role of input pulse energy on the evolution of Stoke’s and anti-Stoke’s Raman shift of the dominant A1g mode of ice VII, filamentation, free-electrons, plasma shielding is presented. The H-bond network rearrangement, electron ion energy transfer time coinciding with the excitation pulse duration supported by the filamentation and plasma shielding of the ps laser pulses reduced the threshold of ice VII structure formation. Filamentation and the plasma shielding have shown the localized creation and sustenance of ice VII structure in liquid water over 3 mm length and 50 ÎŒm area of cross-section.