A cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy study of iron recovered from a laser-heated diamond anvil cell

This paper discusses the use of a focused ion beam for the preparation of cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy specimens from small samples, typically 150 micron in diameter, that have been recovered from a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. We present preliminary observations of iron melted with helium as the pressure-transmitting medium to pressures near 4 GPa. The project is designed to investigate entrapment mechanisms of the inert gases in metals and silicates at high pressure and temperatures.