Researchers demonstrated that polar skyrmions—cousins of magnetic skyrmions but comprising swirls of electric dipoles instead of spins—exhibit chirality in a material with electrically switchable properties. Control of such phenomena could one day lead to low-power, nonvolatile data storage as well as to high-performance computers. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 406
June 26, 2019
Linking Structure to Behavior in Twisted Liquid Crystals
Researchers untangled connections between structure and behavior in a class of liquid crystals consisting of flexible, chain-like molecules that self-organize into twisting patterns. The study opens up new possibilities for designing novel liquid-crystal molecules that allow greater control of nanoscale behavior for technological applications. Read more »
Announcement on High-Field Bend Magnets in the ALS-U Project
The ALS-U Project has been weighing which technology to implement to have the best chance of preserving the ALS’s highly valuable and productive tender and hard x-ray programs after the ALS is upgraded. Taking into account both user needs as well as the project’s technical risk, schedule, and cost, we have decided to move forward with permanent magnet (3.2 T) source points. Read more »
A Crackling Analysis of Stripe and Skyrmion Phases
Through statistical analysis of “crackling” (a system’s jerky response to slowly changing conditions), researchers demonstrated fundamental differences between skyrmion and stripe phases in a layered heterostructure. The method has broad applicability to many complex materials of interest for emerging information technologies. Read more »
Catalyst Improves Cycling Life of Magnesium/Sulfur Batteries
Magnesium/sulfur batteries hold promise as a safer, energy-dense advancement, but previous iterations have suffered from extremely limited recharging capabilities. Studies at the ALS provided electrochemical insights into battery polarization and revealed how a titanium catalyst activates magnesium/sulfur compounds to improve battery performance. Read more »
Stephanie Gilbert Corder, Infrared Beamline Scientist
Stephanie Gilbert Corder is the newest beamline scientist at the ALS. Having been an ALS user in the past, she is eager to help others get reliable measurements to make the most of their beamtime. Read more »
2019 ALS User Meeting Award Nominations Due June 28
The ALS Users’ Executive Committee invites nominations from everyone—including students, postdocs, PIs, and staff—for the 2019 ALS User Meeting Awards. Consider preparing a brief nomination for a deserving colleague. In addition to the award plaque, there will be a cash prize associated with each award. Read more »
ALS Doctoral Fellowship Applications Open June 1
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. Applications will be accepted from June 1–June 30. Read more »
June 2019 Message from the UEC
Fanny Rodolakis, the chair of the Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) for 2019, announces the Beamtime Buddies group on WhatsApp–a new communication tool for users at the ALS. Read more »
Congratulations and Thank You to Our Retirees
Congratulations to Bob Gassaway, Bob Mueller, John Pepper, Max Vinco, and Tony Warwick! Read more »