Opacity and conductivity measurements in noble gases at conditions of planetary and stellar interiors.

ABSTRACT: The noble gases are elements of broad importance across science and technology and are primary constituents of planetary and stellar atmospheres, where they segregate into droplets or layers that affect the thermal, chemical, and structural evolution of their host body. We have measured the optical properties of noble gases at relevant high pressures and temperatures in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell, observing insulator-to-conductor transformations in dense helium, neon, argon, and xenon at 4,000-15,000 K and pressures of 15-52 GPa. The thermal activation and frequency dependence of conduction reveal an optical character dominated by electrons of low mobility, as in an amorphous semiconductor or poor metal, rather than free electrons as is often assumed for such wide band gap insulat

SUBMITTER: McWilliams RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4491786 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature