Crystal Structure of β-Hg

Abstract
The crystal structure of β‐Hg, a pressure induced modification of mercury which is the stable form below 79°K, has been determined. Whereas ordinary (α) mercury crystallizes in a simple rhombohedral lattice, β‐Hg is found to be a body‐centered tetragonal with a=3.995 A, and b=2.825 A at 77°K. Both phases are superconductors. A brief description of the low temperature x‐ray cryostat and camera is given. The relation of α‐Hg and β‐Hg to Pauling's resonating valence bond theory of metals is discussed.

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