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Testing the Limits of Superhard Rhenium/Tungsten Diboride

Superhard materials such as metal borides are in demand as structural and engineering compounds and for next-generation cutting tools. Researchers have now synthesized a “solid solution” of two different metal borides, demonstrating the accuracy of theoretical predictions and opening the door to more targeted tuning of desirable characteristics. Read more »

New ALS Scheduler Tool to Access Beamline Schedules

As part of the ongoing effort to provide users and staff improved tools to track their proposals, safety, and beam time, the ALS has rolled out the ALS Scheduler. For cycle 2017-1 and future cycles, ALS beamline schedules will be displayed through this new software tool designed to provide centralized access to all beamline schedules. Read more »

Mapping the Migration of Genetic Material

A powerful soft x-ray microscope captures tomographic images of the genetic material in the nuclei of nerve cells at different stages of maturity. The detailed 3D visualizations show an unexpected connectivity in the genetic material and provide a new understanding of a cell’s evolving architecture. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

When Rocket Science Meets X-Ray Science

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and NASA are using x-rays to explore, via 3D visualizations, how the microscopic structures of spacecraft heat shield and parachute materials survive extreme temperatures and pressures, including simulated atmospheric entry conditions on Mars. Read more »

Self-Assembly of a Programmable DNA Lattice

The use of DNA for nanotechnology has gained interest because it is a highly “programmable” polymer with “sticky ends,” allowing the self-assembly of molecular scaffolds for other proteins and molecules. Their high-resolution structures will help map new routes toward the rational design of self-assembling 3D DNA crystals. Read more »

Near-Edge X-Ray Refraction Fine Structure Microscopy

Soft x-ray ptychography was used to measure the absorption and refraction of x-rays through pristine reference materials as a basis for decomposing spatially resolved spectra from a heterogeneous sample, thereby quantifying the composition at high resolution. The novel method provided a nearly five-fold improvement in spatial resolution on resonance. Read more »

Workshop Focuses on the Unique Science Enabled by ALS-U

Visiting scientists met Jan. 18-20 at Berkeley Lab for a workshop that collected input on the range of new science that will be enabled by the planned upgrade of the Lab’s Advanced Light Source. The upgrade project, known as ALS-U, will boost the brightness, focus, and other properties of the light beams produced at the ALS. Read more »

Isvar Cordova, Physicist Postdoctoral Researcher

Isvar Cordova has been at the ALS since February 2016, working as a postdoc at Beamline 11.0.1, the resonant soft x-ray scattering beamline, developing in-situ capabilities for material research. We sat down with him to talk about his background and what he’s enjoying about his experience at the ALS. Read more »

2017 ALS Director’s Address

I want to thank everyone in the ALS family for an extremely productive and exciting 2016, and convey my expectations for our continuing successes in 2017. We have much to be proud of as we continue to build our capabilities and collaborations, increase the impact of our scientific outputs, and expand our ability to enable important science for users in so many areas of research and development. Read more »