Metallic Xenon. Conductivity or Superconductivity?

TL;DR

This paper explores whether xenon becomes metallic or superconducting under high pressure, proposing that superconductivity at around 5000 K could explain experimental observations better than metallization.

Contribution

It introduces the hypothesis that xenon may exhibit superconductivity at high pressures, challenging the traditional view of metallization through band-gap closure.

Findings

Superconductivity transition temperature T is about 5000 K.

Superconductivity could explain experimental results better than metallization.

Mechanism involves virtual excitations of molecular type.

Abstract

It is demonstrated that the point of view that metallization of xenon as a result of a band - gap closure has some discrepancies with experimental result. A superconductivity transition as an alternative possibility is examined. At such supposition critical temperature of superconductivity transition T is about 5000 K. A mechanism of inert gas condensation by virtual excitations of molecular type is discussed.