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Neighborite, NaMgF3, is used as a model system for understanding phase transitions in ABX3 systems (e.g., MgSiO3) at high pressures. Here we report diamond anvil cell experiments that identify the following phases in NaMgF3 with compression to 162 GPa: NaMgF3 (perovskite) → NaMgF3 (post-perovskite) → NaMgF3 (Sb2S3-type) → NaF (B2-type) + NaMg2F5 (P21/c) → NaF (B2) + MgF2 (cotunnite-type). Our results demonstrate the existence of an Sb2S3-type post-post-perovskite ABX3 phase. We also experimentally demonstrate the formation of the P21/c AB2X5 phase which has been proposed theoretically to be a common high-pressure phase in ABX3 systems. Our study provides an experimental observation of the full sequence of phase transitions from perovskite to post-perovskite to post-post-perovskite followed by 2-stage breakdown to binary compounds. Notably, a similar sequence of transitions is predicted to occur in MgSiO3 at ultrahigh pressures, where it has implications for the mineralogy and dynamics in the deep interior of large, rocky extrasolar planets.

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Lead fluoride, PbF 2 , was investigated experimentally in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell by x-ray diffraction to pressures of 75 GPa at room temperature and to 64.5 GPa and 2430 K, as well as through first-principles density functional theory calculations up to 70 GPa. During room temperature compression, no discontinuous changes in the x-ray diffraction pattern or volume were observed, but the lattice parameters display highly anomalous trends between 10-22 GPa with enhanced compressibility along the a direction and reduced or even negative compressibility along b and c. Theoretical calculations of valence electron densities at 22 GPa show that α-PbF 2 has undergone a pressure-induced isosymmetric phase transition to a postcotunnite Co 2 Si-type structure and also reveal the detailed atomic rearrangements associated with the development of an extra Pb-F bond in the high-pressure phase. Our x-ray results and theoretical calculations are consistent with an isosymmetric phase transition occurring over 10- Upon heating above 1200 K at pressures at or above 25.9 GPa, PbF 2 partially transforms to the hexagonal Ni 2 In-type phase but wholly or partially reverts back to Co 2 Si-type phase upon temperature quench. From 43-65 GPa, nearly complete transformation to the Ni 2 In-type PbF 2 is observed at high temperature, but the material partially transforms back to the orthorhombic phase upon temperature quench. Our results show that high-pressure behavior of PbF 2 is distinct from that of the alkaline earth fluorides with similar ionic radii. Our results also have relevance to understanding the behavior of lanthanide and actinide dioxides, which have been predicted theoretically to exhibit similar isosymmetric transitions at Mbar pressures.