Equation of state and pressure induced amorphization of beta-boron from X-ray measurements up to 100 GPa

Phys Rev Lett. 2002 Dec 9;89(24):245501. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.245501. Epub 2002 Nov 20.

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.