Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers melt diamond

Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, using the University of Rochester’s Omega Laser Facility, have successfully melted a diamond under extreme temperature and pressure. The experiment subjected the diamond to temperatures approaching the surface of the sun and pressures three times greater than Earth's core.

The study aims to clarify hypotheses regarding diamond rain on Uranus and Neptune. The findings suggest that solid diamond may become less dense than liquid carbon, similar to how ice floats on water. This behavior could explain how sinking diamonds release heat within the depths of these planets.

Additionally, the results have implications for nuclear fusion research. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) utilizes diamond capsules to facilitate solar-like reactions, and researchers estimate that controlled initial impacts could potentially triple the energy released compared to standard capsule fuel.