Scientists Uncover Mysterious New Ice Phase Under Extreme Pressure

Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of materials science, observing a previously unknown phase of ice under ultrahigh pressure. The team, led by President Lee Ho Seong, used advanced high-pressure technology and microsecond XFEL imaging to study the rapid freeze-melt cycles of water at pressures above 100 gigapascals, a feat that has never been achieved before. According to Dr. Kim, a researcher at KRISS, the team was able to capture the first-ever observation of water repeatedly freezing and melting at ultrahigh pressures, revealing a new ice phase that has been dubbed Ice XXI. "This discovery was made possible by the development of our advanced high-pressure technology and the use of microsecond XFEL imaging," Dr. Kim explained. "We were able to observe the complex crystallization pathways of water under these extreme conditions, which led us to the discovery of Ice XXI." The structure of Ice XXI has been found to resemble the high-pressure ice found inside the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, hinting at significant implications for planetary science. "This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the properties of water under extreme conditions, which is crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of our solar system," said Dr. Lee, President of KRISS. The discovery of Ice XXI is a significant breakthrough in the field of materials science, as it has the potential to reveal new insights into the behavior of water under extreme conditions. The team's findings have been published in a recent study, which provides a detailed analysis of the discovery and its implications. The researchers at KRISS used a dynamic diamond anvil cell to generate the supercompressed state of water, which allowed them to observe the rapid freeze-melt cycles at ultrahigh pressures. The team's use of microsecond XFEL imaging enabled them to capture the complex crystallization pathways of water under these extreme conditions, leading to the discovery of Ice XXI. The discovery of Ice XXI has significant implications for the field of planetary science, as it provides new insights into the properties of water under extreme conditions. "This discovery has the potential to reveal new insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system, and it highlights the importance of continued research into the properties of water under extreme conditions," said Dr. Lee. The researchers at KRISS are currently working on further studies to understand the properties of Ice XXI and its implications for planetary science. The team's findings have sparked significant interest in the scientific community, and it is expected that this discovery will lead to new areas of research and exploration in the field of materials science. In a statement, President Lee Ho Seong of KRISS expressed his excitement about the discovery, saying, "This breakthrough is a testament to the innovative spirit and expertise of our researchers at KRISS. We are committed to continuing our research into the properties of water under extreme conditions, and we look forward to the new discoveries that this will bring."