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

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

atomic arrangements of liquid silicates at the extreme conditions found in the core-mantle boundary.
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The advance opens a path toward a new generation of logic and memory devices that could be 10,000 times faster than today's.

Fanciful illustration based on electron orbitals
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New machine learning methods bring insights into how lithium ion batteries degrade, and show it’s more complicated than many thought.

Particles in a nickel-manganese-cobalt cathode are highlighted using a new computer vision algorithm.
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Light-driven reactions are at the heart of human vision, photosynthesis and solar power generation. Seeing the very first step opens the door to observing...

Illustration showing electron orbitals ballooning in response to light
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The lab is responding to the coronavirus crisis by imaging disease-related biomolecules, developing standards for reliable coronavirus testing and enabling other essential research.

SARS-CoV-2
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Researchers investigate how much damage spreads through molecules struck by a pulse from LCLS.

Two color mode
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An LCLS imaging technique reveals how a mosquito-borne bacterium deploys a toxin to kill mosquito larvae. Scientists hope to harness it to fight disease.

A photograph of mosquito larvae.
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Hitting molecules with two photons of light at once set off unexpected processes that were captured in detail with SLAC’s X-ray laser. Scientists say...

Closeup image of molecular movie frames
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These inexpensive photosensitizers could make solar power and chemical manufacturing more efficient. Experiments at SLAC offer insight into how they work.

Illustration of carbene reaction pathways
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A new understanding of the nucleation process could shed light on how the shells help microbes interact with their environments, and help people design...

Illustration of tiles forming a microbial shell
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A better understanding of these materials and how they store and transport oil and gas could one day enable more efficient fossil fuel production.

Aromatic carbon