SLAC topics

X-ray scattering and diffraction RSS feed

X-ray scattering and diffraction are techniques used to study the atomic and molecular structure of materials. X-rays are directed at a sample, and the resulting scattering patterns provide information about the arrangement and movement of atoms in the sample. X-ray diffraction specifically analyzes the interference patterns that result from X-rays interacting with repeating structures in a material, enabling scientists to determine the precise arrangement of atoms and gain insights into the material's properties.

Illustration of LCLS diffraction protein crystals.
Illustration

In this illustration, the pairs of red spheres are escaping oxygen atoms and purple spheres are metal ions. This new understanding could lead to...

Illustration of oxygen atoms leaving a lithium-ion battery as lithium flows in alongside a battery whose energy is being sapped by this process
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Known as “pair-density waves,” it may be key to understanding how superconductivity can exist at relatively high temperatures.

Illustration depicting how two types of waves within superconducting materials intertwine to form a third type known as charge-density waves
News Brief

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

Illustration of SARS-CoV-2, a round ball with spikes.
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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.

Diagram of a complex molecule
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This new understanding could aid the development of more efficient clean energy sources.

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

material failure
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A promising lead halide perovskite is great at converting sunlight to electricity, but it breaks down at room temperature. Now scientists have discovered how...

Lead halide material being squeezed in a diamond anvil cell.
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G6PD deficiency affects about 400M people worldwide and can pose serious health risks. Uncovering the causes of the most severe cases could finally lead...

G6PD enzyme in red blood cell
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These fleeting disruptions, seen for the first time in lead hybrid perovskites, may help explain why these materials are exceptionally good at turning sunlight...

An illustration shows polarons as bubbles of distortion in a perovskite lattice
Animation
As this animation shows, polaronic distortions start very small and rapidly expand outward in all directions to a diameter of...
Animation of polaronic distortions expanding in an atomic lattice
Illustration

An illustration shows polarons – fleeting distortions in a material’s atomic lattice ––in a promising next-generation energy material, lead hybrid perovskite.

Polarons, bubbles of distortion in a perovskite lattice.
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Most new materials are discovered near the proverbial shore. Now, scientists deploy artificial intelligence and high-throughput experimental techniques to search previously uncharted waters to...

A ship sails along a coastline, while a sea monster swims near an island where treasure can be found.