X-ray observation of shear cell experiments for impurity diffusion of Au in liquid Ag

The most effective way to obtain liquid diffusion measurements is the shear cell technique. In this method, a diffusion couple is only joined at a target temperature, to avoid diffusion during heating and cooling and to avoid solidification effects. Numerical simulations confirm that the misalignment of a diffusion couple hinders precise diffusion experiments. Hence, the sample should be observed during the shear cell experiments to confirm the correct alignment. A direct X-ray observation system was thus specifically developed and the impurity diffusion of Au in liquid Ag was successfully measured using this apparatus.