A range of piston-cylinder cells for neutron scattering applications are available for use across various SNS and HFIR diffractometers and spectrometers. These cells are typically pressurized offline outside the beamline and pressure is clamped in for measurement. They are compatible with other extreme environments such as (ultra-)low temperature and high magnetic fields in some cases. Various designs of cells as well as complimentary tools continue to be developed.

An example of an in-house development is a clamped cell with optical access through a diamond window that allows for in situ pressure measurement via ruby or strontium borate fluorescence: Podlesnyak et al. HPR 38, 482 (2018).

The specifics of each experiment are typically planned carefully around the sample, its scattering profile, powder vs. single crystal, the required pressure transmitting medium, as well as around the desired beamline and the given science question. Possible cells and sample geometries will thus vary.

For experiments on a specific instrument, please contact the instrument team directly. For general enquiries, further possible experiments, and future opportunities please contact Yan Wu or Jamie Molaison for SNS.

Clamped cells

*NOTE: Nominal pressure is given here as benchmark value only. Experimental pressures are often lower due to a number of factors.