Ammonia is a critical ingredient in many important industrial and agricultural applications. The Haber–Bosch process is the primary process for large-scale ammonia production. A new study uses an experimental–theoretical approach to uncover how interfacial chemistry at the magnetite–water interface drives ammonia synthesis under ambient temperature and pressure.
ALSNews Vol. 473
September 24, 2025
Nematic Magnetic Helices Fluctuate at Different Tempos
During a series of experiments at the ALS, researchers identified helical magnetic spins that fluctuate at different time scales during a phase transition as a function of temperature in a nematic iron germanium thin film. The results provide a framework for characterizing exotic phases, which may have interesting optical and transport properties for microelectronics and spintronics. Read more »
The Quest for an Altermagnet
Researchers determine the unique electronic structure of altermagnets, which offers numerous benefits in creating energy-efficient devices based on spin-polarized electron currents. Understanding how altermagnetism works could contribute to the development of next-generation memory, logic, or sensing devices that are faster and consume less power. Read more »
Separating an Electron into Waves of Spin and Charge
Researchers are exploring how a thin film can host a Tomonaga–Luttinger liquid, which separates an electron’s charge and spin. The research findings could contribute to the development of ultra-compact and energy-efficient technologies. Read more »
Beam Across the Bay: ALS Visits SSRL
It is rare to find synchrotron light sources around the world, much less two within 50 miles of each other. Capitalizing on their proximity, the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource hosted the Advanced Light Source for a day of introductions and reconnections, all in the name of science. Read more »
Call for 2024 and 2025 Publications
All publications resulting from work done in whole or in part at the ALS must be recorded by the User Office for the Department of Energy (DOE). To maintain accurate records and assess the productivity and scientific achievements of our beamlines, please report your ALS publications, especially those published in 2024 and 2025. Read more »