Kinetics of pressure induced structural phase transitions—A review

The current status of experimental as well as theoretical advances in the understanding of kinetics of structural phase transitions is reviewed. A brief outline of the classification of phase transitions and classical ideas in the theory of kinetics of phase change is presented first. High pressure experimental techniques developed for studying the kinetics of structural transitions are reviewed and the salient features of each technique is brought out. The experimental technique using the diamond anvil cell (DAC) and image processing gets special mention as it promises to impart a new direction to this field. The usefulness of kinetic parameters in understanding the mechanism of a phase transition is examined. Typical examples from the literature are provided to give a flavour for these kind of studies. In conclusion, several open questions are raised which could pave way for future work in this area.