The MuFusE Large-Volume Diamond Anvil Cell for Exploring Muon-Catalyzed Fusion at Higher Pressures and Temperatures

Abstract

A new large-volume diamond anvil cell (DAC) has been developed for the Muon-catalyzed Fusion ($μ$CF) Experiment (MuFusE), enabling the compression and heating of deuterium-tritium (d-t) mixtures to pressures and temperatures needed to advance $μ$CF research. The MuFusE DAC achieves the large sample volumes necessary for high-precision fusion measurements while integrating cryogenic loading, all-metal sealing, and flexible bellows to maintain a secure environment during cell compression. Combined with remote pneumatic actuation and secondary containment, the DAC safely managed a 25 Ci tritium inventory while providing a clear optical path for in situ measurements of sample pressure and composition via laser spectroscopy. Utilizing 5 mm diameter diamond anvils oriented in the path of a high-intensity muon beam, the apparatus achieved a stable sample volume of 19.2 mm$^3$ at liquid density, pressures up to 933 MPa and temperatures up to 400 K - benchmarks that significantly exceed previously reported limits for static d-t targets.