Researchers found that in bismuth-based cuprate superconductors, charge imbalances caused by lattice distortions generate persistent and universal patterns of spin polarization. The results supply a previously missing but essential ingredient in efforts to understand the mechanisms driving the electronic behavior of high-temperature superconductors. Read more »
ALS News Vol. 464
December 4, 2024
A Macromolecular Scaffold for Probing Actinium Chemistry
By encapsulating actinium atoms within a macromolecular complex for analysis using protein crystallography, researchers discovered that actinium has a unique solid-state bonding configuration. A better understanding of actinium behavior could help improve a promising cancer treatment known as targeted alpha therapy. Read more »
Not All Gaps Are Created Equal
Researchers found that charge density waves (CDWs) in topological materials induce unconventional spectral gaps in the materials’ electronic structure. The finding that CDWs in topological materials can be essentially different from that in other materials should be carefully considered when designing quantum devices. Read more »
Excited States in CO2 Clusters Shed Light on Astrochemical Formation Mechanisms
A vacuum ultraviolet photoionization study conducted at the ALS revealed a new mechanism between molecules that converts high-energy ultraviolet light into free electrons. The results provide insights into interactions between CO2 and organic molecules, which are crucial for understanding astrochemical interactions as well as green chemistry and renewable energy development. Read more »
Gianna FazioLiu, Director of Communications
Since joining the ALS in September, Gianna FazioLiu has been connecting with people across Berkeley Lab and thinking about how to tell the stories about their work. Her passion for science communications originated in Mexican coffee farms and French cheese, so it is small wonder that her free time is filled with tasty pursuits to this day. Read more »
2024 Berkeley Lab Director’s Awards in Recognition of ALS Staff
The Berkeley Lab Director’s Awards program recognizes the significant achievements of Lab employees. Join us in congratulating Andreas Scholl, Greg Su, Ina Reichel, and the many members of the ALS community who received Director’s Awards in 2024. Read more »
Engaging Future Scientists: Hosting Scouts at the ALS for Nuclear Science Day
As part of the Berkeley Lab’s Nuclear Science Division’s Nuclear Science Day, the ALS hosted 180 local scouts and 50 leaders for a day of science exploration around the light source. Activities included building electroscopes, detecting radon, and exploring particle detectors, with tours showcasing nuclear science at the Advanced Light Source. Read more »
January-July 2025 Operating Schedule Announced
The operating schedule for the 2025-1 cycle (January-July 2025) has been posted. The next long shutdown will begin in January 2025 and is expected to last 11 weeks. The most up-to-date information on the current schedule and future outlook can always be found on the Operating Schedule web page. Read more »
Vote for New UEC Members: Term Starting in 2025
The Advanced Light Source Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) invites you to vote in the election of five new UEC members: four regular members and one student member. The elected members will begin their terms on January 1, 2025, with regular members serving three years and the student member serving two years. Voting deadline: Wednesday, December 4, by 11:59 p.m. PST. Read more »
ALS at the Far West Section of the American Physical Society Meeting
The 2024 Fall Meeting of the APS Far West Section at Cal Poly Humboldt featured over 100 students presenting research. Inspiring attendees through their expertise and mentorship were ALS colleagues Antoine Islegen-Wojdyla, Hendrik Ohldag, Xiaoya Chong, and Wei “Francis” He. Read more »