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The operation of the gasket in the diamond anvil cell (DAC) is analyzed and some practical conclusions are given, relevant to users of DACs in the submegabar pressure range. Two distinct regimes are found, one where the gasket is at the maximum thickness and the DAC is intrinsically unstable, and the other where the gasket is thin and the cell is stable in operation, so that there are good reasons to use preindented gaskets, of thickness rather less than usually recommended. Force-pressure plots are shown to give valuable information in routine use, and their interpretation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel diamond-anvil ceil is described which measures 19-mm diameter by 28 mm long to fit the Oxford Instruments CF 1204 flow cryostat, while providing full axial and tilt adjustment of the diamonds. The drive mechanism provides for pressure changes while the cell is in the cryostat. The small dimensions are achieved because the drive force is not transmitted through the tilt mechanism, and by the Bowden cable technique used for the drive mechanism. This cell makes high pressure a readily portable technique that can be brought to many already existing experimental apparatuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]