Attainment of near-hydrostatic compression conditions using the Paris–Edinburgh cell

By means of a straightforward modification to the Paris–Edinburgh cell gasket configuration, it is now possible to utilize fluid pressure-transmitting media up to at least 9 GPa. Test data on various representative samples are presented, discussed and contrasted with typical results obtained using the earlier gasket arrangement and Fluorinert pressure-transmitting medium. For the case of deuterated urea, the significant improvement in compression conditions revealed the existence of two new structural phases (IV and V) which are first observed at 3.0 GPa and 7.5 GPa. Future development possibilities for the technique of sample encapsulation are presented and discussed.