Low-frequency internal friction (LFIF) as express-method for identification of cryocrystals in pores of the solids

TL;DR

The paper presents a method using low-frequency internal friction measurements at low temperatures to identify gases trapped as cryocrystals in the pores of solids, aiding in analyzing cosmic and geological samples.

Contribution

It introduces LFIF as a novel, express-method for identifying cryogenic gases in solid pores, enhancing analysis of cosmic and geological materials.

Findings

LFIF spectra reveal phase transition points of gases

Method enables identification of gases in solid matrices

Applicable to cosmic and geological sample analysis

Abstract

We show that studying of low-frequency internal friction (LFIF) of solid samples at low temperatures allows determining the presence of various gases absorbed, for some reasons, in pores and caverns of the solids. The gases come over to a solid state (cryocrystals) and exist in the pores under corresponding thermodynamic conditions giving an additional contribution to the LFIF spectra. The spectra reflect the special points of the gases (temperatures of melting or phase transitions). This information gives a real opportunity for identification of gas in the matrix, i.e. the studied solids. This may be of great importance for investigations of cosmic or geological samples, for instance, asteroids, meteorites, rock formations, etc. The LFIF method allows identification of gas media surrounding the studied sample.