Laser tests push helium to record shock pressures (opens in new tab)

Laser experiments have compressed helium to record shock pressures, Phys.org reported, in work aimed at studying matter under conditions found inside giant planets. The experiments focused on helium because it coexists with hydrogen deep inside gas giants such as Jupiter and Saturn. Under those planetary conditions, helium may separate from hydrogen and affect a planet’s internal heat flow, structure and magnetic field. Phys.org said scientists need to understand how these materials behave un...