Dynamic Compression of Planetary Analog Materials: Insights into the Interiors of Large Rocky Planets

The behavior of SiO₂ analogs (GeO₂ and SnO₂) under extreme pressure conditions provides critical insights into the structural evolution of oxide materials in planetary interiors. In this study, we investigate the ramp compression of GeO₂ and SnO₂ to ultra-high pressures exceeding 500 GPa, revealing novel high-pressure phases and structural transitions. Using advanced in situ X-ray diffraction techniques, we characterize these high-pressure phase transformations under conditions relevant to the deep interiors of large rocky planets. Our findings significantly enhance our understanding of the high-pressure behavior of SiO₂ and its analogs, with important implications for modeling the deep interiors of super-Earths and other large rocky planets. Finally, our results underscore the vital role of analog materials in exploring the fundamental physics of oxide systems under extreme conditions.