Multi-Messenger Measurements of the Static Structure of Shock-Compressed Liquid Silicon at 100 GPa

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-messenger experimental platform combining velocimetry and X-ray scattering to measure the ion structure of shock-compressed liquid silicon at 100 GPa, providing insights into high-pressure fluid behavior.

Contribution

It presents a novel multi-messenger approach for in situ measurements of thermodynamic conditions and ion structure factors at extreme pressures, advancing understanding of high-pressure fluids.

Findings

Measured silicon conditions at 100 GPa with specified uncertainties.

Distinguished between different ion screening models.

Provided data to validate theoretical models of high-pressure fluids.

Abstract

Ionic structure of high pressure, high temperature fluids is a challenging theoretical problem with applications to planetary interiors and fusion capsules. Here we report a multi-messenger platform using velocimetry and \textit{in situ} angularly and spectrally resolved X-ray scattering to measure the thermodynamic conditions and ion structure factor of materials at extreme pressures. We document the pressure, density, and temperature of shocked silicon near 100 GPa with uncertainties of 6%, 2%, and 20%, respectively. The measurements are sufficient to distinguish between and rule out some ion screening models.