title: Equation of state and pressure induced amorphization of beta-boron from X-ray measurements up to 100 GPa.
abstract: The equation of state of boron has been measured up to 100 GPa by single-crystal x-ray diffraction with helium as the pressure transmitting medium. Rhombohedral beta-boron is the stable structure up to 100 GPa under hydrostatic conditions. Nonhydrostatic stress stabilizes a different rhombohedral structure. At about 100 GPa a pressure-induced amorphization is observed. The amorphous phase can be quenched to ambient pressure. An explanation is proposed based on the different stability under pressure between intraicosahedra and intericosahedra bonds.
authors.affiliation: European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, B.P. 220, F-38043 Grenoble, Cedex France.
authors.forename: Delia Nieto
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Sanz
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Loubeyre
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mezouar