Researchers found a way to reconstruct quantum geometric tensors (QGTs)—mathematical entities that encode how an electron’s wave function is shaped by its quantum environment. The mapping of QGTs enables the discovery and control of novel quantum phenomena such as superconductivity and unconventional electronic phases. Read more »
ALS Structural Biology Beamlines Surpass 10,000 Protein Structures in the PDB
Today, the nine structural biology beamlines at the ALS passed a major milestone of collectively depositing over 10,000 protein structures into the Protein Data Bank (PDB), a worldwide, open-access repository of protein structures. Read more »
2025 Winter Shutdown Recap
After another busy shutdown, the ALS is in the process of returning to user operation later this week. The ALS-U accomplishments of the Winter 2025 shutdown include the accumulator ring installation sectors 1-11, seismic upgrades, ALS-U cable routing and electrical installation, RF infrastructure installation, and the booster bend power supply commissioning. In addition, the teams were able to complete several projects for the current ALS. Read more »
ALS-United: Steve Rossi, Daniela Leitner, and Andrew Netto
ALS-United is an opportunity to meet the people collaborating at the Advanced Light Source and the ALS Upgrade Project. Hear firsthand how team science enables the cutting-edge research of today and builds the facility of the future. This month, we speak with Steve Rossi (ALS Deputy for Business Operations), Andrew Netto (ALS-U Deputy for Operations), and Daniela Leitner (Engineering Division Director). Read more »
The Secret to Drought Tolerance Lies in a Lilac Crypt
Many species of California lilac grow throughout the state, north to Humboldt and south to San Diego. Some species have developed an adaptation for arid climates: the stomatal crypt. This extremely rare anatomy intrigued a group of researchers, who characterized species with these crypts at the ALS. Their microtomography characterization revealed how the stomatal crypt helps plants survive drought. Read more »