First experiments with a newly developed high-pressure/high-temperature cell for neutron powder diffraction

On the basis of the well known and widely used piston cylinder high pressure cell of the McWhan type, a new high-pressure/high-temperature cell for angle dispersive neutron powder diffraction has been developed. A pressure/temperature range of simultaneously 1.5 GPa and 500oC is aimed at. Up to now two test experiments with the cell on D2B of the ILL with calcite as sample could be performed. The maximum, non simultaneous pressures and temperatures reached so far, amount to about 0.75 GPa and 400oC, respectively. The characteristics of the cell construction and first experimental experiences and results are reported. (author) 3 figs., 1 tab., 10 refs