Our latest research explores into the controversial intermediate liquid phase of carbon, a topic debated for decades. Using time-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), we studied amorphous carbon and ultrananocrystalline diamond under laser irradiation. Our findings indicate no evidence of a liquid state, instead revealing crystalline properties even under extreme conditions. Differences in signal behavior are attributed to variations in sample thickness and incomplete melting. This study enhances our understanding of carbon’s behavior under high-energy conditions, with significant implications for material science.

The measurements were done at the PAL free-electron laser. This research was done in a larger collaboration led by Saykally and Schwartz.

Journal publication in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02862