SLAC topics

Condensed-matter physics RSS feed

Condensed matter physics is the study of substances in a solid state. It explores the structure and properties of complex materials at nanoscales, such as superconductors, diamondoids and other quantum materials.  

atomic arrangements of liquid silicates at the extreme conditions found in the core-mantle boundary.

News Feature

The Hubbard model, used to understand electron behavior in numerous quantum materials, now shows us its stripes, and superconductivity too, in simulations for cuprate...

Diagram of electrons moving to neighboring atoms in Hubbard model
Press Release

Made with ‘Jenga chemistry,’ the discovery could help crack the mystery of how high-temperature superconductors work.

Illustration of 'Jenga chemistry' step of making new superconductor
News Feature

Combined with the lab’s LCLS X-ray laser, it’ll provide unprecedented atomic views of some of nature’s speediest processes.

Alex Reid, ultrafast electron diffraction (UED)
News Feature

In the decade since LCLS produced its first light, it has pushed boundaries in countless areas of discovery.

Undulator Hall
News Feature

Researchers used a unique approach to learn more about what happens to silicon under intense pressure.

silicon waves
News Feature

X-ray laser snapshots give scientists a new tool for probing trillionths-of-a-second atomic motions in 2-D materials

Experimental station at SLAC's LCLS X-ray laser where the study was done
News Feature

Watching electrons sprint between atomically thin layers of material will shed light on the fundamental workings of semiconductors, solar cells and other key technologies.

Illustration of electrons giving off electromagnetic waves as they travel between two materials
News Feature

Ultrafast manipulation of material properties with light could stimulate the development of novel electronics, including quantum computers.

Topological Switch Lead Art
News Feature

Revealed for the first time by a new X-ray laser technique, their surprisingly unruly response has profound implications for designing and controlling materials.

Illustration of laser light setting off vibrations in material
News Feature

Two studies led by SLAC and Stanford capture electron 'sound waves' and identify a positive feedback loop that may boost superconducting temperatures.

Illustration of study that reveals how coordinated motions of atoms boost superconductivity
News Feature

Former Stanford and UC-Berkeley physicist is honored for foundational research that peers into unconventional phenomena within exotic materials.

Photo: Ming Yi
News Feature

Tais Gorkhover, Michael Kagan, Kazuhiro Terao and Joshua Turner will each receive $2.5 million for research that studies fundamental particles, nanoscale objects, quantum materials...

Photos of SLAC's 2018 Early Career Award winners