Researchers found that, in crystals with structural chirality (left- or right-handedness), tuning the electronic behavior reveals hidden chiral phases and singularities. The results provide a new way to predict, test, and manipulate novel materials that exhibit desirable properties for next-generation electronic and spintronic devices. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 449
June 28, 2023
Surface Engineering Boosts Water-Splitting Efficiency
Researchers modified the surface of an electrocatalyst to maximize its efficiency at splitting water. The optimized material is approximately 40 times more efficient than similar commercial electrocatalysts and could help make the production of clean hydrogen fuel more sustainable and economical. Read more »
New Pathway for SO2 Breakup Sheds Light on Earth’s Oxygenation
While calibrating a new scientific apparatus at the ALS, researchers discovered that ultraviolet light can break up sulfur dioxide (SO2) in a new way, with molecular oxygen (O2) as an unexpected product. The discovery sheds light on Earth’s Great Oxygenation Event 2.4 billion years ago, when atmospheric oxygen levels first began to rise. Read more »
Excitons Dance the Two-Step in a 2D Material
Excitonic insulators are a rare form of macroscopic quantum state that can be realized at a high temperature, which can be useful for quantum information science. At the ALS, researchers found that in a 2D material, a novel two-step “folding” behavior in the ARPES data signals the existence of an intermediate exciton gas state. Read more »
Simon Leemann, Accelerator Operations & Development Deputy
Simon Leemann’s job is to make sure the accelerator runs well—work that has taken him all over the world. Find out which languages he’s learned to speak as well as what gives him hope for the future. Read more »
New Videos on ALSHub Features
The ALS User Guide now offers a selection of instructional videos describing how to perform tasks in ALSHub. You can follow along to create an account, submit a proposal, schedule your beamtime, and more. Read more »
June 2023 Message from the UEC
UEC Chair Inna Vishik discusses the format for this year’s User Meeting, which will include tutorials, plenary and poster sessions, and workshops focused on long-term scientific visioning. She also reviews recent UEC congressional outreach and upcoming communications about ALS-U impacts. Read more »
Congratulations to Our 2023 Retirees
Gary Giangrasso, David Malone, and Troy Stevens Sr. are retiring after a combined 94.25 years of service. Thank you all for your contributions to the ALS, and congratulations on your retirement! Read more »