Researchers demonstrated, via x-ray absorption spectroscopy, that a molecule’s spin state can be reversibly switched at constant room temperature by magnetism. The results represent a major step toward the goal of programmable, nanoscale molecular electronics for high-speed, low-power, logic and memory applications. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 393
April 25, 2018
Monovalent Manganese for High-Performance Batteries
Scientists have detected a novel chemical state of the element manganese that was first proposed about 90 years ago. The discovery enables the design of a high-performance, low-cost battery that, according to its developers, outperforms Department of Energy goals on cost and cycle life for grid-scale energy storage. Read more »
Imaging Magnetic Microstructure Response to Substrate Strain
A ferromagnetic thin film on a piezoelectric substrate offers a way to control magnetization in ultralow-power devices by relying on coupling between the piezoelectric and ferromagnetic components. At the ALS, researchers were able to image the electrically induced magnetic behavior and correlate it with the piezo-strain driving it. Read more »
Clarifying the Working Principle of a High-Capacity Battery Electrode
Operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments revealed the electrochemical reaction mechanism of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) electrodes in lithium-ion battery cells. The work unambiguously clarifies that the MoS2 conversion reaction is not reversible and that the Li2S formed is converted to sulfur in the first charge process. Read more »
U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry Visits the ALS
Secretary Perry visited the ALS and other locations at Berkeley Lab on March 27. Guided by ALS Interim Director Steve Kevan and Berkeley Lab Director Mike Witherell, he talked with users and staff about microtomography work on ceramic-matrix composites, battery research using STXM, and the Center for X-Ray Optics’ EUV lithography work. See photographs from the tour. Read more »
Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) Update
The UEC has elected Fanny Rodolakis (APS, Argonne National Laboratory) as vice chair. She will serve as UEC chair in 2019. Planning for the User Meeting, to be held October 2–4, is now in full swing, and the UEC is pleased to announce a new, full-day tutorial session on October 4 geared towards introducing new users and young scientists to a broad range of ALS techniques. Read more »
ALS Doctoral Fellowship Applications Due June 30
ALS Doctoral Fellowships in Residence allow early-career researchers to spend a year at the ALS working at the frontier of synchrotron radiation research and helping advance state-of-the-art techniques and applications. Applications will be accepted from June 1–June 30. Read more »
ALS Hosts “Five-Way” Meeting of DOE Light Sources
On April 23, the ALS hosted a meeting of the five DOE-funded light sources (ALS, SSRL, LCLS, APS, and NSLS-II). These “five-way” meetings, held biannually, bring together representatives from each facility to discuss common interests and issues. Topics of discussion included open data policies, business software, optics and detector development, workforce and career development, and diversity. Read more »
Share Your Photos to Celebrate the International Day of Light
Lightsources.org, an international collaboration of light sources, is participating in the International Day of Light (May 16) with a photo wall on its website. Users of any of the member facilities, including the ALS, are invited to share a picture of their work, research, or day-to-day life in science on the theme of “light in science.” Read more »