Energy sciences

Researchers taking the first-ever direct measurement of atom temperature in extremely hot materials inadvertently disproved a decades-old theory and upended our understanding of superheating. 

The upgrades to SSRL’s resonant soft X-ray scattering beam line could reveal the hidden physics in high-temperature superconductors.

SLAC researchers drew on advanced computation and X-ray methods to track down a water-splitting copper catalyst.

The team watched how a strained strontium titanate membrane crossed into ferroelectric – and quantum – territory. 

He met with SLAC staff and toured the lab’s cutting-edge facilities, diving into world-leading research in X-ray and ultrafast science, artificial intelligence, astrophysics and more.

Using SLAC’s X-ray laser, the method revealed atomic motions in a simple catalyst, opening the door to study more complex molecules key to chemical processes in industry and nature.

In this Q&A, Arianna Gleason discusses the technologies needed to make commercialized fusion energy a reality and how SLAC is advancing this energy frontier. 

Advanced imaging technique reveals catalyst degradation processes, addressing a key barrier to converting carbon dioxide into liquid fuel.

Following a boom in catalysis users at SSRL, Beam Line 10-2 has been transformed and outfitted with new technologies. 

SLAC, Stanford researchers estimate that reducing harmful chemical emissions could cut cancer risks from smoke exposure by over 50%.

Nickel dopants could improve sustainable production of ethylene oxide, a chemical widely used in industrial manufacturing.

Supported by SLAC’s catalysis group, researchers have discovered a promising method to remove contaminants during the making of polymers.