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Element-specific x-ray study shows both iron and cobalt suppress thermal expansion in stainless invar alloys, with iron's effect stronger

Researchers used synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and atomic-scale computer simulation to measure how iron and cobalt atoms individually respond to temperature change. Iron and cobalt both contribute to suppressing thermal expansion, but iron's effect is stronger and shifts with small changes in the iron-to-cobalt ratio.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Yonsei University researchers directly measure quantum metric tensor in real material

Researchers at Yonsei University have successfully measured the full quantum metric tensors of Bloch electrons in solids, a breakthrough that could lead to advanced semiconductor technologies and higher transition-temperature superconductors. The study used black phosphorus as a representative material for photoemission measurements.

SourceYonsei University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

Largest magnetic anisotropy of a molecule measured at BESSY II

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin successfully measure the largest magnetic anisotropy of a single molecule using THz electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough has significant implications for energy-efficient data storage, with potential applications in various fields.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2024

Probe where the protons go to develop better fuel cells

A team led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki from Kyushu University discovered the chemical innerworkings of a perovskite-based electrolyte developed for solid oxide fuel cells. By combining synchrotron radiation analysis, large-scale simulations, machine learning, and thermogravimetric analysis, they found that protons are introduced at...

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Unusual painting -- Unusual lead compound

A team of researchers identified a rare lead compound, lead(II) formate, in various areas of Rembrandt's The Night Watch using micro and macro X-ray analysis. This discovery provides clues about the artist's pictorial practices and the reactivity of lead driers in historical paintings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

New research furthers understanding of the electronic structure of graphite

Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding the electronic structure of graphite, a crucial component in battery production. The study's findings highlight the importance of surface effects in bulk intrinsic electronic state measurements, revealing new insights into the material's electrical properties.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2022

Let machines do the work: Automating semiconductor research with machine learning

Researchers use machine learning to automatically analyze Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) data, enabling faster and more efficient discovery of new materials. The study focused on surface superstructures in thin-film silicon surfaces and identified optimal synthesis conditions using non-negative matrix factorization.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Traveling to the centre of planet Uranus: Materials synthesis research and study in terapascal range for the first time

A research team from the University of Bayreuth has successfully generated and analyzed materials under compression pressures of over 1 terapascal, a breakthrough that could deepen our understanding of matter. The study reveals the synthesis and structural analysis of novel rhenium compounds in the terapascal range.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateMay 11, 2022

Research examines keys to developing better batteries

A new study examines how individual electrode particles contribute to battery decay and identifies key factors, including particle properties and interactions. The research aims to develop techniques to control these properties and design more efficient, long-lasting batteries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Natural mineral hackmanite enables new method of x-ray imaging

Researchers have developed a new X-ray imaging method utilizing hackmanite's colouring abilities, revealing its potential for non-expensive and reusable imaging applications. The study found that adding different atoms to the material impacts its colouring properties, and the mechanism of colour changing occurs through X-ray excitation.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 30, 2021

Titanium dioxide stars in the first IFJ PAN research at the Cracow synchrotron

Researchers from IFJ PAN studied the changes in titanium dioxide's surface layers under different temperatures and atmospheres, shedding light on its electronic structure and physico-chemical properties. They also recreated the process of forming the rutile phase at lower temperatures than previously thought.

Towards next-generation molecule-based magnets

Researchers have developed a lightweight molecule-based magnet with unprecedented magnetic properties, exhibiting a 'memory effect' at elevated temperatures. The compound contains abundant metal chromium and inexpensive organic molecules, making it a promising alternative to current inorganic commercial magnets.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Old X-rays, new vision: A nano-focused X-ray laser

Scientists from Osaka University have reduced X-ray free-electron laser beam diameter to 6 nanometers, enabling precise imaging of single virus particles and ultrafast chemical processes. This advancement improves the accuracy of measurements closer to the atomic level than previously possible.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateJul 7, 2020

Unlocking the gate to the millisecond CT

A research team at Tohoku University has developed a new method for high-speed, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) using intense synchrotron radiation. This allows for imaging of samples within milliseconds without the need for extreme rotation, making it possible to control temperature and atmosphere conditions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalOptica·DateMay 14, 2020

Computer vision helps SLAC scientists study lithium ion batteries

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory used computer vision and X-ray tomography data to understand how nickel-manganese-cobalt cathodes degrade over time. They found that particles detaching from the carbon matrix contribute significantly to battery decline, contradicting previous assumptions about making smaller particle...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2020

Accelerating development of STT-MRAM

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully observed the microscopic chemical bonding state of ultrathin MgO using AR-HAXPES. This breakthrough could lead to improved MgO quality and accelerated development of STT-MRAM, a non-volatile memory with high-performance and low power consumption.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 5, 2019

What causes battery electrode failure?

A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that lithium-ion battery electrode failure is caused by the heterogeneity of individual particles, leading to inefficiencies in charging. The team used a synchrotron X-ray method to produce results and identified problems with batteries today, including uneven charging rates.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 3, 2019

See invisible into HER catalysis

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an advanced characterization technique to study the realistic structure of catalysts in water electrolysis. The team used operando synchrotron radiation XAFS technology to identify the atomic-level structure and dynamic evolution of active sites in cobalt...

Gamma-ray burst captured in unprecedented detail

A team led by University of Maryland astronomers has constructed one of the most detailed descriptions of a gamma-ray burst to date, shedding light on the initial 'prompt' phase and the evolution of large jets of matter and energy. The data suggest that both magnetic fields and matter play key roles in shaping the jets.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017