Curved β sheets are basic building blocks of many protein cavities that, by serving as binding sites for other molecules, are essential to protein function. β-sheet curvature can now be controlled with atomic-level accuracy, opening the door to custom-designed sites capable of entirely new functions. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 382
APRIL 26, 2017
Modulating Infrared Light with 2D Black Phosphorus
Two-dimensional materials represent a promising new frontier in the field of optoelectronics. Most progress so far, however, has been in the visible-light range. Now, at the ALS, researchers have measured the infrared transmission spectra of ultrathin samples of black phosphorus under an applied electric field. Read more »
3D Visualization of Leaves during Drought
The veins of living leaves at increasing levels of drought stress were visualized using x-ray microtomography. The results expand our view of leaf drought responses, beyond the traditional embolism-centric view, to a broader focus on the role of the surrounding living tissues in water movement during drought. Read more »
New Insights into Nanoscale Deformation
A group of scientists used Laue x-ray microdiffraction at the ALS to probe plastic deformation mechanisms at the nanoscale. Their findings may overturn conventional theory and reshape our understanding of the mechanical behavior of a host of nanocrystalline metals. Read more »
COSMIC Achieves First Light
On Wednesday, March 29, the COherent Scattering and MICroscopy (COSMIC) Beamline (7.0.1) achieved first light, a significant milestone in the ALS’s plans to capitalize on recent gains in soft x-ray coherence provided by modern storage-ring light sources. Read more »
Ingrid Hallsteinsen, Magnetic Spectroscoper
Ingrid Hallsteinsen is a postdoctoral researcher at ALS Beamline 4.0.2, the magnetic spectroscopy and scattering beamline, where she is currently studying magnetism in oxide thin films. Read more »
Tribute to E.O. Lawrence Moves into ALS Lobby
There’s some new artwork gracing the ALS lobby—a stately portrait of Berkeley Lab founder Ernest Orlando Lawrence. The painting has a deep connection to the Lab, and so does the artist. He was a longtime Berkeley Lab employee and the father of Berkeley Lab Mechanical Technician Jim Dougherty, who frequently works on the undulators at the ALS. Read more »
ALS Workshop Brings Together Theory and Experiment
On April 13 the ALS convened a workshop entitled “Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy: Theory and Experiment, Hand-in-Hand.” The event brought together soft x-ray experimentalists and materials theorists to discuss potential collaborations and areas of soft x-ray spectroscopy that would benefit from more robust theory. Read more »
ALS User Forum Returns on Thursdays
The User Forum, also known as “Cookie Time,” has returned to the ALS. Every other Thursday at 3 p.m., ALS users and staff are invited to mix and mingle in the downstairs lobby over cookies and coffee. The ALS operating schedule lists specific dates for the events. Read more »
Roger Falcone Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
ALS Director Roger Falcone is one of five Berkeley Lab scientists and 188 new fellows elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The honorary society recognizes leading figures in academia, the arts, science, business, and government. Read more »