The development of a sapphire cell for neutron scattering experiments at high temperature and high pressure

A high pressure, high temperature sapphire cell has been designed to provide users at the Spallation Neutron Source with the ability to perform in-situ supercritical bulk water studies. The design criteria for the cell required the achievement of a maximum pressure of 150 MPa at the maximum temperature of 500 ̊C. Other conceptual constraints, such as a 360 ̊ viewing angle and top loading integration further complicated and limited available cell models. The sapphire cell was tested and modified due to pre-mature failure. Due to convenient geometry and ease of operation, interest in the cell for more moderate operating requirements has increased.