A form of spin-momentum locking, similar to the strong linkage between electron spin and momentum in topological insulators, has been found in a cuprate superconductor. The results open a new chapter in the mystery of high-temperature superconductors, suggesting that new, unexplored interactions and mechanisms might be at play. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 402
February 27, 2019
Getting to the Bottom of a Metal/Acid Interface
Researchers identified the molecules that collect at the interface between a platinum electrode and an acidic electrolyte under an applied voltage. Knowledge of the structure and composition of such nanometer-thin interface regions is key to understanding topics such as corrosion, geochemistry, electrocatalysis, and energy storage. Read more »
Meteorites Suggest Galvanic Origins for Martian Organic Carbon
Nanoscale analyses of Martian meteorites suggest that organic carbon on Mars may have been formed by electrochemical reactions between briny liquids and volcanic minerals, as might occur in a galvanic cell. The study has major implications for astrobiology and could also shed light on the reactions that led to life on the early Earth. Read more »
Salt in the Amazon Air Comes from Local Fungi
The abundant salt in the atmosphere above the Amazon basin has long been attributed to the Atlantic Ocean. But now, using the Advanced Light Source, scientists have found that much of it originates much more locally: fungal spores in the rainforest. Pinpointing the origin will improve climate models and understanding of rainforest ecosystems. Read more »
ALS Tips Hat to 10 Years of Top-Off
In February, the ALS marked the 10th anniversary of one of the biggest upgrades in its history: the transition to “top-off mode,” which took place on February 11, 2009. To celebrate, the ALS community gathered for ring-shaped pastries (i.e., donuts) and coffee (topping off allowed). Brief remarks were given by Steve Kevan and Dave Robin. Read more »
Yu-Cheng Shao, Materials Science Postdoctoral Fellow
Yu-Cheng Shao first came to the ALS in 2013 as part of a collaboration with Tamkang University. He returned last year as an ALS collaborative postdoctoral fellow working on Beamline 8.0.1 with Yi-De Chuang. Read more »
Winter 2019 Shutdown Recap
A two-month scheduled shutdown of the ALS is nearly complete. It allowed significant progress on two new beamlines under construction, QERLIN and Gemini, and also saw the completion of a long-term project to upgrade the storage ring’s radio frequency (rf) system. The facility should return to user operations as scheduled on February 28. Read more »
CVs Now Required for All On-Site Foreign Nationals
As of February 1, all on-site foreign nationals (non-US citizens) are required to provide their CV listing all science and technology activities to complete their registration. Read more »
March 6 Deadline for General User Proposals
The User Office is accepting new General User Proposals (GUPs) from scientists who wish to conduct research at the ALS in the 2019-2 (July–December) cycle. The deadline for submissions is March 6, 2019. Applicants are reminded that they may request joint access to the Molecular Foundry, a nanoscience user facility at Berkeley Lab, to support their ALS activities. Read more »
February 2019 Message from the UEC
Fanny Rodolakis, the chair of the Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) for 2019, reports on the most recent UEC meeting and calls for speaker suggestions for this year’s User Meeting. Read more »