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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/J003999/1
Title: Synthesis and Studies of Novel States of Matter at Extreme Conditions
Principal Investigator: Gregoryanz, Professor E
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Scheme: Leadership Fellowships
Starts: 01 September 2011 Ends: 31 August 2016 Value (£): 1,103,039
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Condensed Matter Physics Magnetism/Magnetic Phenomena
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
21 Jun 2011 Fellowships 2011 Interview Panel E Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Pressure causes extraordinary changes in the properties of matter by bringing the atoms closer and closer to each other. It can turn the

air we breath into a beautiful dark red crystal (oxygen), make a semiconducting polymer out of nitrogen or transform peanut butter into

diamond. Indeed, most matter exists under extreme conditions, so it is clear that we can fully understand the natural world only with

knowledge of the fundamental physical and chemical forces at play at high pressures. The field of modern high-pressure science is indeed

very wide, spanning from studying the origin of life to applications in food processing, and extending to the field of global warming research by,

for example, exploring increased solubility of greenhouse gas molecules in minerals under pressure. High pressures of 1,000,000 Atm and beyond

are generated by pressing a tiny sample between two diamonds which provide a perfect window into the unusual and interesting world.

My interest in high-pressure physics is primarily in studying very simple systems such as hydrogen, oxygen (familiar gases at normal

conditions) or alkali metals -- because, in the laboratory under very high compression, oxygen first red and then into shiny metal and sodium

becomes unexpectedly liquid at room temperature, and hydrogen is predicted to become metallic with very unusual properties such as

super-conducting super-fluidity.

The aim of this research is the synthesis and study of:

- novel exotic quantum states of liquid hydrogen and quantum liquids resulting from pressure-induced melting at low temperatures;

- high-pressure high-temperature hot liquids and their melting curves;

- super-conducting, super-hard and hydrogen rich materials in a wide range of temperatures.

In order to accomplish these goals, new challenging techniques will need to be developed and refined. To study cryogenic liquids, new

types of cryostats, designed to work with x-ray synchrotron and laser radiation, will be developed. To study and characterize liquids at

temperatures presently inaccessible and to synthesize novel recoverable materials, time-resolved laser heating and Raman spectroscopy

in the diamond anvil cell will need to be developed and constructed. These will be unique facilities.

Key Findings
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