Single-crystal x-ray diffraction measurements have been performed on solid ${}_{}{}^4{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{He}$ from 15.6 to 23.3 GPa at 300 K with synchrotron radiation. The diffraction patterns demonstrate that the structure of the solid is hexagonal close packed over this pressure-temperature range, contrary to both the interpretation of high-pressure optical studies and to theoretical predictions. The solid is more compressible than is indicated by equations of state calculated with recently determined helium pair potentials. The results suggest that a significant revision of current views of the phase diagram and energetics of dense solid helium is in order.

• Received 16 March 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.60.2649