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Diamonds and Super-Diamonds
Diamonds are known for being the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth, but recent advancements in supercomputing have led to the modeling of a substance even harder. Referred to as a ‘super-diamond,’ this theoretical material holds promise for existence beyond our planet and the potential for eventual creation here on Earth.
The Concept of Super-Diamonds
Similar to regular diamonds, super-diamonds are carbon-based. The specific phase of carbon, containing eight atoms, is expected to remain stable under normal conditions. This suggests that it could be replicable within a controlled Earth-based laboratory setting.
This specific phase, known as BC8, is typically observed in high-pressure environments, commonly found in silicon and germanium. The latest model, run on Frontier, the world’s fastest exascale supercomputer, demonstrates that carbon can also take on this particular phase.
Frontier, through its simulations, concludes that BC8 carbon is significantly more resistant to compression compared to standard diamonds.
Potential Implications
A recent research paper published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters highlights the efforts of scientists to understand and potentially synthesize this elusive carbon crystalline phase. Researcher Marius Millot mentions the belief that such a phase could exist in exoplanets rich in carbon, further deepening our understanding of the universe.
These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting the presence of ultra-hard materials in celestial bodies. As space exploration continues to advance, breakthroughs like these may usher in a new era of materials science and planetary research.
A physicist at the University of South Florida, Ivan Oleynik, emphasizes the importance of studying BC8 carbon for developing accurate interior models of carbon-rich exoplanets, shedding light on the extreme conditions within these distant worlds.
Future Directions
While the possibility of creating super-diamonds in a lab setting remains a distant goal, ongoing research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility shows promising advancements in this field. The Discovery Science program at NIF is poised to explore new frontiers in materials science, extending the boundaries of human knowledge and innovation.
As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos, the prospect of super-diamonds presents a tantalizing glimpse of the potential marvels awaiting discovery in the vast reaches of space.
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