Method for achieving high pressure using isotopically-pure diamond anvils

Abstract

Broadly, the present invention is directed to a method for achieving high pressure wherein a sample is placed between a pair of diamond anvils and the anvils compressed. The improvement comprises forming the anvils from one or more of isotopically-pure .sup.12 C or .sup.13 C diamond. Isotopically-pure .sup.13 C diamond is preferred as it has the highest atomic or bond density parameter of any known material and, therefore, should have the highest hardness also Isotopically-enriched diamond .sup.13 C diamond should find utility as an anvil with higher .sup.13 C contents increasing the hardness of the anvil product. By utilizing isotopically pure diamond anvils, less breakage at current pressures should be realized concomitant with the ability to achieve yet higher pressures.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.