Stanford Institute for Materials & Energy Sciences (SIMES)

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October 29, 2020
News Feature
Scientists launch quest to develop quantum sensors for probing quantum materials
SLAC and Stanford partner with two Illinois universities to create the Center for Quantum Sensing and Quantum Materials, which aims to unravel mysteries associated with exotic superconductors, topological insulators and strange metals.
Illustration of quantum processes
October 15, 2020
Press Release
A new approach boosts lithium-ion battery efficiency and puts out fires, too
Adding polymers and fireproofing to a battery’s current collectors makes it lighter, safer and about 20% more efficient.
Conceptual illustration of advantages of redesigned current collector
September 10, 2020
News Feature
External
Stanford physicist’s quest for the perfect keys to unlock the mysteries of superconductivity
For decades Z-X Shen has ridden a wave of curiosity about the strange behavior of electrons that can levitate magnets.
Portrait of Stanford and SLAC Professor Z-X Shen
August 31, 2020
News Feature
SLAC researchers find evidence for quantum fluctuations near a quantum critical point in a superconductor
Theory suggests that quantum critical points may be analogous to black holes as places where all sorts of strange phenomena can exist in a quantum material. Now scientists are trying to pin down where this particular quantum critical point might be.
Illustration of changes in charge stripes as a superconductor approaches a quantum critical point
June 29, 2020
External
Stanford-led team shows how to store data using 2D materials instead of silicon chips
Researchers have invented a way to slide atomically-thin layers of 2D materials over one another to store more data, in less space and using less energy.
Illustration of experimental technology that stores data by shifting atomically thin layers of metal
June 22, 2020
News Feature
External
New battery electrolyte may boost the performance of electric vehicles
A new lithium-based electrolyte invented by Stanford University scientists could pave the way for the next generation of battery-powered electric vehicles.
Photo of vials containing new electrolyte for lithium metal batteries
May 15, 2020
News Feature
In a step forward for orbitronics, scientists break the link between a quantum material's spin and orbital states
The advance opens a path toward a new generation of logic and memory devices that could be 10,000 times faster than today's.
Fanciful illustration based on electron orbitals
April 2, 2020
News Feature
A new way to fine-tune exotic materials: Thin, stretch and clamp
Turning a brittle oxide into a flexible membrane and stretching it on a tiny apparatus flipped it from a conducting to an insulating state and changed its magnetic properties. The technique can be used to study and design a broad range of materials for use in things like sensors and detectors.
Close up of strain pattern produced by stretching membrane
February 26, 2020
News Feature
External
A better way to build diamonds
With the right amount of pressure and surprisingly little heat, a substance found in fossil fuels can transform into pure diamond.
Scientist holding diamondoid molecule moldels
January 20, 2020
News Brief
First detailed electronic study of new nickelate superconductor
Discovered at SLAC and Stanford, this new class of unconventional superconductors is starting to give up its secrets – including a surprising 3D metallic state.
Graphic showing electronic structure of nickelate superconductor

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