X-ray Science

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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
March 24, 2020
News Feature
Solving the mysteries of a Trojan-horse mosquito toxin
An LCLS imaging technique reveals how a mosquito-borne bacterium deploys a toxin to kill mosquito larvae. Scientists hope to harness it to fight disease.
A photograph of mosquito larvae.
March 18, 2020
News Feature
An advance in molecular moviemaking reveals the subtle, complex ways a simple molecule can shimmy and fly apart
Hitting molecules with two photons of light at once set off unexpected processes that were captured in detail with SLAC’s X-ray laser. Scientists say this new approach should work for bigger and more complicated molecules, too, allowing new insights into molecular behavior.
Closeup image of molecular movie frames
February 21, 2020
News Brief
Researchers identify new culprit for Minamata mercury poisoning tragedy
The 1950s and ‘60s poisoning event was long attributed to methylmercury, but studies at SLAC suggest a different compound was to blame. The findings could reshape toxicologists’ understanding of disease related to mercury poisoning.
Illustration of toxic waste being dumped from a pipe, a molecule, and a map showing the location of Minamata, Japan.
February 12, 2020
News Feature
Researchers show how electric fields affect a molecular twist within light-sensitive proteins
A better understanding of this phenomenon, which is crucial to many processes that occur in biological systems and materials, could enable researchers to develop light-sensitive proteins for areas such as biological imaging and optogenetics.
photoexcitation
February 6, 2020
News Brief
Internal
How iron carbenes store energy from sunlight – and why they aren’t better at it
These inexpensive photosensitizers could make solar power and chemical manufacturing more efficient. Experiments at SLAC offer insight into how they work.
Illustration of carbene reaction pathways
January 30, 2020
News Feature
Rust offers a cheap way to filter arsenic-poisoned water
In regions that lack the resources to treat the contaminated water, it can lead to disease, cancer, and even death.
Electrode tank
January 29, 2020
News Feature
A day in the life of an X-ray laser coach
Siqi Li develops connections with people and concepts while working on new technologies for accelerators.
Siqi Li headshot
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
January 9, 2020
News Feature
Scientists observe ultrafast birth of free radicals in water
What they learned could lead to a better understanding of how ionizing radiation can damage material systems, including cells.
Radiolysis

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