Bridging Time-Scale, Temperature, and Pressure Gaps in High-Pressure Compressed-Matter Science

Since the Research at High Pressure GRC was founded in 1955 it has focused on high-pressure states of matter obtained under two main sub-fields: static and shock compression. Bridging the gaps in experimental time scales and the thermodynamic states separating these subfields has long been a major goal. This year we will extend the theme of bridging gaps from time scale and temperature, to pressure range of interest, and future high-pressure science. New developments are narrowing the gaps from all sides and helping to unify our field.

Most of the high-pressure matter in the universe—planetary interiors—resides at intermediate temperatures between the cold-curve and the Hugoniot. We will explore recent results bridging traditional isothermal and Hugoniot studies. Across our disciplines "high pressure" can legitimately describe pressures from 10 MPa to 10 TPa. We will focus on pressures of importance to biology and chemistry, associating studies where compression is used to effectively explore and control material response. Relevant time scales for high-pressure studies range from picoseconds to eons. We will look at the evolution of phase transitions and of planets to sample some of this span. Much as hydrogen is the most common material in the universe, it has historically been the most common session in the High-Pressure GRC. This year we will explore a new format where a hydrogen talk closes the last session each day, allowing interested participants to carry the discussion beyond the lecture hall. Finally, this meeting will bridge to the future by considering innovative approaches and facilities that are building high expectations for Research at High Pressure yet to come:

• Low / High Temperature: Accessing Relevant Thermal Energies
• Low / High Pressure: Tuning Atomic Interactions to Meet Specific Needs
• Picoseconds / Eons: Characteristic Timescales in the Universe
• Present / Future: Innovative Approaches