Martensitic fcc-to-hcp transformation observed in xenon at high pressure

The martensitic face centered cubic (fcc)-to-hexagonal close packing (hcp) transformations in xenon were studied using angle-resolved x-ray diffraction patterns. The crystal structure data of xenon over a wide range of high pressure and temperature was analyzed to study the stacking disorders and growth of domains of hcp xenon coexisting with fcc xenon. The analysis confirmed that the formation of disordered hcp xenon, evolution of ordered hcp xenon and complete disappearance of fcc xenon at high pressures was not impurity induced.