Structure phase transformation and equation of state of cerium metal under pressures up to 51 GPa

This study presents high pressure phase transitions and equation of states of cerium under pressures up to 51 GPa at room temperature. The angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction experiments are carried out using a high energy synchrotron x-ray source. The bulk moduli of high pressure phases of cerium are calculated using the Birch-Murnaghan equation. We discuss and correct several previous controversial conclusions, which are caused by the measurement accuracy or personal explanation. The c/a axial ratio of ε-Ce has a maximum value at about 29 GPa, i.e., c/a ≈ 1.690.