title: Image analysis of speckle patterns as a probe of melting transitions in laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments.
abstract: The precision of melting curve measurements using laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) is largely limited by the correct and reliable determination of the onset of melting. We present a novel image analysis of speckle interference patterns in the LHDAC as a way to define quantitative measures which enable an objective determination of the melting transition. Combined with our low-temperature customized IR pyrometer, designed for measurements down to 500 K, our setup allows studying the melting curve of materials with low melting temperatures, with relatively high precision. As an application, the melting curve of Te was measured up to 35 GPa. The results are found to be in good agreement with previous data obtained at pressures up to 10 GPa.
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beer-Sheva 84190, Israel.
authors.forename: Ran
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salem
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beer-Sheva 84190, Israel.
authors.forename: Shlomi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matityahu
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beer-Sheva 84190, Israel.
authors.forename: Aviva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Melchior
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beer-Sheva 84190, Israel.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nikolaevsky
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beer-Sheva 84190, Israel.
authors.forename: Ori
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Noked
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beer-Sheva 84190, Israel.
authors.forename: Eran
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sterer