Matter in extreme conditions

Their work helps reveal the inner workings of cells and the behavior of matter under extreme pressures and temperatures.

She toured the lab’s powerful X-ray laser, looked at the construction of the world’s largest digital camera, and discussed climate research, industries of the future, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the sciences.

From the invisible world of elementary particles to the mysteries of the cosmos, recipients of this prestigious award for early career scientists explore nature at every level.

Edward Hohenstein, Emma McBride and Caterina Vernieri study what happens to molecules hit by light, recreate extreme states of matter like those inside stars and planets, and search for new physics phenomena at the most fundamental level.

A better understanding of the failure process will help researchers design new materials that can better withstand intense events such as high-velocity impacts.

A better understanding of how this happens could help researchers hone future electronic measurements and offer insights into how X-rays interact with matter on ultrafast time scales.

The initiative will give scientists more access to powerful lasers at universities and labs.

Researchers developed a way to measure the basic properties of matter at the highest pressures thus far achieved in a controlled laboratory experiment.

New research could offer insights into the formation of planets like Earth and inform the design of more resilient materials.

It could offer insights into the evolution of planetary systems and guide scientists hoping to harness nuclear fusion as a new source of energy.

In experiments at the National Ignition Facility, a SLAC-led team found new details about how supernovas boost charged particles to nearly the speed of light.

Learning how liquid silicates behave at these extreme temperatures and pressures has been a longstanding challenge in the geosciences.