Electrostatic levitation furnace for structural studies of high temperature liquid metals by neutron scattering experiments

This paper describes a novel levitation furnace for the containerless structural study of superheated and undercooled materials by neutron scattering experiments. The article discusses the concept behind this electrostatic levitator and presents preliminary levitation and positioning control data of superheated and undercooled metallic samples. The paper also highlights the advantages of this facility, in particular vacuum conditions, sample position stability, long duration levitation times, and open field of view of the molten sample. Potential modifications of the apparatus for atomic structure and dynamic studies of dielectric oxides glass forming materials are also briefly addressed.