Researchers from the University of South Florida, utilizing the Frontier supercomputer, have made a groundbreaking discovery on how to synthesize a material that is stronger than any other known substance on Earth. This material, known as BC8, has the potential to exist in the cores of massive exoplanets and possesses unique properties.
While diamonds are already known for their strength and wide range of applications in both the jewelry and industrial sectors, the creation of a substance even stronger than diamonds could revolutionize various technologies. BC8, also referred to as an eight-carat cubic diamond, is believed to form under extreme pressure and temperature conditions akin to those in the nuclei of planets larger than Earth.
The study, conducted by a team of scientists led by Professor Ivan Oleinik, revealed that in order to transform carbon into BC8, traditional diamonds must first be melted so that the liquid carbon can then reassemble into the BC8 structure. This process requires even more extreme conditions, with pressure levels reaching up to 12 million atmospheres and temperatures around 5000 K.
The Frontier supercomputer, located in the Okridge laboratory, played a crucial role in the research by enabling the simulation of millions of atomic interactions to determine the precise conditions necessary for the formation of BC8. The team utilized the LamMPS software, specifically trained for performing the complex calculations involved in the study.
Next steps for the researchers involve validating their theoretical findings through practical experiments at the National Laboratory of Lawrence Livermore, where powerful lasers will be employed to create the extreme conditions needed for BC8 formation. The team is optimistic about the success of these experiments based on the calculations carried out with the help of the Frontier supercomputer.
The implications of this research go beyond just advancing the understanding of high-temperature physics, as it paves the way for the development of new ultra-hard materials with potential applications across various industries. The results of the study have been published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters.