X-ray light sources and electron imaging

The Horizon Prizes celebrate the most exciting, contemporary chemical science at the cutting edge of research and innovation.

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.

With a new suite of tools, scientists discovered exactly how tiny plate-like catalyst particles carry out a key step in that conversion – the evolution of oxygen in an electrocatalytic cell – in unprecedented detail.

Derived from microscopic algae, the rare, light-driven enzyme converts fatty acids into starting ingredients for solvents and fuels.

Exploring and manipulating the behavior of polar vortices in materials may lead to new technology for faster data transfer and storage.

Two groups of researchers drew on SLAC tools to better understand how to target a key part of the virus that causes COVID-19.

SSRL and LCLS scientists will help visiting research teams solve their experimental challenges, then apply what they’ve learned to help others work more efficiently.

It can help operators optimize the performance of X-ray lasers, electron microscopes, medical accelerators and other devices that depend on high-quality beams.

This new understanding could aid the development of more efficient clean energy sources.

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