How do scientists produce high pressures in laboratory experiments?

Scientists generate high pressures in laboratory settings by confining samples within specialized apparatuses that apply force to a specific area. These methods generally fall into two categories: sustained static pressure and transient dynamic pressure.12

Static High-Pressure Apparatuses

• Diamond-Anvil Cell: This device uses two gem-quality diamonds to apply force to a sample. Because diamond is transparent to various forms of electromagnetic radiation, researchers can observe samples visually and perform techniques like X-ray diffraction while the sample is under pressure.3
• Large-Volume Presses: These include piston-in-cylinder devices, belt apparatuses, and multianvil systems. Multianvil devices are particularly notable for their ability to compress samples uniformly from all sides, often reaching pressures up to 30 GPa.4
• Bridgman’s Squeezer: An early, foundational design that uses tapered anvils to squeeze samples like a vise.4

Dynamic High-Pressure Techniques

Transient, extreme pressures are produced using high-velocity projectiles or explosions to generate shock waves. These methods can reach millions of atmospheres for durations of approximately one microsecond, allowing scientists to study rapid atomic and structural transformations.3