Melting temperature of MgO at high pressures

In this study, the melting temperature of MgO is determined at high pressures using the laser-heated diamond-anvil cell. Single-crystal MgO is coated with a variety of refractory metals as a laser absorber and laser heated from both sides. The melting is identified by recrystallization of the single crystal upon quenching, which is shown through the appearance of powder x-ray diffraction. Determining the melting temperature of MgO has profound implications for mantle rheology and melting relations at high pressure, furthermore, providing a crucial test for theoretical models of high-pressure melting.