Abstract: A translucent polycrystalline cubic boron nitride body is provided. It comprises no more than 2 weight % hexagonal boron nitride grains and has an absorption coefficient of less than 100 cm?1 at a wavelength of 1064 nm.

Abstract: A capsule assembly for an ultra-high pressure furnace, comprising a containment tube having an interior side surface and defining a central longitudinal axis; a chamber suitable for accommodating a reaction assembly, a proximate and a distal end heater assembly, and a side heater assembly. When assembled, the chamber is contained within the containment tube and arranged longitudinally between the proximate and distal end heater assemblies. The side heater assembly is disposed adjacent the interior side surface and electrically connects the end heater assemblies with each other. Each end heater assembly has a respective peripheral side disposed adjacent the interior side surface Heat is produced in the chamber in response to an electric current flowing through the end and side heater assemblies.

Abstract: A capsule assembly for an ultra-high pressure furnace, comprising a containment tube defining a central longitudinal axis, a chamber suitable for accommodating a reaction assembly, a proximate and a distal end heater assembly, and a side heater assembly. When assembled, the chamber and the side heater assembly are contained within the containment tube and arranged longitudinally between the proximate and distal end heater assemblies. Each end heater assembly comprises a respective conduction volume forming a respective electrical path through the end heat assembly. The side heater assembly electrically connects the respective conducting volumes to each other, and heat is produced in the chamber in response to an electric current flowing through the side heater assembly and the conducting volumes. At least the proximate end heater assembly comprises a first insulation component including an outer insulation volume.