Melting of Sn at high pressure: Comparisons with Pb

Abstract

Measurements for Sn, made using the laser-heated diamond cell, are reported that extend the melting curve to 68 GPa and 2300 K. Initially the melting temperature of Sn increases linearly with increasing pressure (d T/dP∼40 K/GPa) and near 38 GPa (2200 K) the melting curve flattens (dT/dP∼0), indicating a zero volume phase change at melting. The results are in good agreement with previously reported shock melting studies. In comparison to Sn the melting curve of Pb is relatively linear to 100 GPa, the highest pressure at which measurements have been made. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.