Scientists have successfully observed the structure of liquid carbon for the first time. This breakthrough was achieved using laser compression techniques. The experiment provides new insights into the properties of carbon under extreme conditions.
Researchers at the European XFEL in Schenefeld utilized ultrashort X-ray laser pulses. This allowed them to take real-time measurements as solid carbon briefly transformed into liquid. The method circumvented the challenge of carbon vaporizing at standard pressure.
The study revealed that liquid carbon exhibits a water-like structure. It has four nearest atomic neighbors, similar to diamond. This finding confirms predictions made by simulations and refines the known melting point of carbon.
The experimental setup involved coupling the XFEL's high-speed X-ray pulses with the DIPOLE 100-X laser. This enabled simultaneous laser compression and X-ray diffraction measurements. The research has implications for planetary science and nuclear fusion modeling.