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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
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Researchers develop biochar-based photocatalyst that rapidly removes antibiotic pollutants from water

A new biochar-enhanced photocatalyst has been developed to efficiently degrade antibiotic contaminants in water, with the material demonstrating remarkable ability to break down sulfadiazine. The photocatalyst harnesses sunlight to drive chemical reactions capable of degrading antibiotic molecules, and its performance is substantially ...

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2026

Physicists provide key mass data for determining X-ray burst reaction rate

Physicists have directly measured the masses of phosphorus-26 and sulfur-27, crucial for determining the nuclear reaction rate during X-ray bursts. The new data reveal a significant enhancement in the reaction rate, increasing the abundance ratio of sulfur-27 to phosphorus-26.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025

Cryogenic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals native solid electrolyte interphase structure and dynamics in Li metal batteries

The study introduces a promising methodology for elucidating dynamic and heterogeneous chemical signatures across evolving solid-liquid interfaces. Researchers used cryo-XPS to analyze the native SEI composition, revealing a mixed organic-inorganic structure.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 16, 2025
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A new AI-powered method to automate material analysis and design

A new AI-based approach analyzes XAS data to identify material properties, providing objective insights for rational material design. The method achieved high accuracy and revealed meaningful variations in electronic states.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2025

New observation method improves outlook for lithium metal battery

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new observation method that improves the outlook for lithium metal batteries without introducing chemical reactions. The technique, called cryo-XPS, allows scientists to study the critical protective layer of lithium anodes without altering it.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2025
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Archaeologists use X-rays to distinguish iron from different periods of America’s colonial past

A new study demonstrates that microscopic differences in iron can be spotted using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, allowing archaeologists to identify the origin of Spanish iron objects. This technique follows a quiet revolution in southeast archaeology, where metal detectors have been adopted for large-scale survey work.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInternational Journal of Historical Archaeology·DateAug 13, 2025

International research team explains how diatoms interact with uranium

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf discovered how diatoms chemically interact with uranium, finding it bound both on the surface and within the algae. The team's findings provide initial insights into the chemical bonds formed and help understand the impact of uranium release on natural cycles.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2025

NASA, JAXA XRISM satellite X-rays Milky Way’s sulfur

Researchers detected sulfur in both gas and solid phases using data from the XRISM spacecraft, providing unprecedented insight into its presence in the universe. The findings are based on measurements of X-rays from two binary star systems and suggest that sulfur can easily change between these forms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateJul 23, 2025

BESSY II shows how solid-state batteries degrade

Researchers at HZB have developed a method to precisely monitor electrochemical reactions in solid-state batteries using photoelectron spectroscopy at BESSY II. The results show that decomposition products form at interfaces, hindering lithium ion transport and reducing battery capacity with each charge cycle.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

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Sahmyook University researchers open doors to next-generation memristive devices

The study introduced a silver-dispersive chalcogenide thin film for use in memristive devices, addressing data retention and endurance challenges. The device demonstrated reliable state retention and endurance, even at high temperatures, and achieved a recognition rate of ~92% in the MNIST database.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Diamond materials as solar-powered electrodes - spectroscopy shows what's important

Researchers have found that diamond materials can release electrons in water and trigger chemical reactions when excited by light. The team used X-ray spectroscopy to precisely track the processes taking place on the surface of diamond materials, revealing that they are well-suited for use in aqueous solutions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Riding a wave to better medical diagnosis

Researchers at UBC Okanagan's Integrated Optics Laboratory develop imaging systems that apply terahertz radiation, enabling fast and accurate characterization of biological specimens. This technology holds promise for improving diagnostic imaging and detecting carcinogenesis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 14, 2023
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Understanding the tantalizing benefits of tantalum for improved quantum processors

Researchers used x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study the chemical profile of tantalum surface oxides, revealing different kinds of tantalum oxides at the surface. This discovery prompted a new set of questions on modifying interfaces to improve device performance and minimizing loss.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Mapping molecular funnels with X-rays: precise timings of non-adiabatic excited state dynamics

Scientists at Stockholm University propose a nonlinear spectroscopic technique to investigate coupled nuclear electronic dynamics in photo-excited molecules. This approach allows for the observation of conical intersections, which are 'funnels' connecting different electronic states, and provides insight into non-adiabatic dynamics.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Volcano-like rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

A study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that a volcano-like rupture on the surface of a neutron star could have caused its sudden slowdown. The research used X-ray data from orbiting telescopes to analyze the magnetar's rotation and found evidence supporting this theory.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Revealing the thermal heat dance of magnetic domains

Researchers use coherent correlation imaging to image the evolution of magnetic domains in time and space without prior knowledge. The study reveals thermal motion and pinning effects on domain boundaries, unlocking new insights into magnetism's microcosm.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023
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New monochromator optics for tender X-rays

The new monochromator optics increase photon flux in the tender X-ray range by a factor of 100, allowing highly sensitive spectromicroscopic measurements with high resolutions. This enables data collection on nanoscale materials, such as catalytically active nanoparticles and modern microchip structures, for the first time.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Green hydrogen: Faster progress with modern X-ray sources

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy are utilizing X-ray absorption spectroscopy to investigate oxygen evolution in electrocatalysis. This study aims to improve the efficiency of green hydrogen production by developing more stable and cost-effective catalysts.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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Watching the fate of molecular nitrogen with X-rays, when an electron has been kicked out

Researchers at the Max Born Institute have used novel ultrashort soft X-ray spectroscopy to study the fate of molecular nitrogen when an electron is kicked out. They found that the B state has a similar degree of excitation as the X state, contradicting previous models. Instead, a coherent interplay between light fields enables lasing ...

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

Third-highest oxidation state secures rhodium a place on the podium

Researchers have successfully isolated and characterized rhodium(VII), the third-highest oxidation state of an element, using advanced ion trap technology. This discovery has significant implications for understanding exotic transition metal oxides and potential applications in materials science.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Atomic displacements in high-entropy alloys examined

Scientists investigated the local structure of a high-entropy Cantor alloy using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing structural relaxations in chromium atoms and no evidence of secondary phases. The study correlated these findings with macroscopic magnetic properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Researchers develop procedure to interpret x-ray emission spectra of liquid water

A team led by Osamu Takahashi developed a procedure to reproduce the double peak feature of x-ray emission spectroscopy spectra in liquid water. They used molecular dynamics calculations and first principles quantum mechanical calculations to estimate XES spectra, reproducing features such as the double peaks.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2022
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Superconductivity: New tricks for finding better materials

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully explained the electronic structure of nickelates, a new class of superconductors. By comparing theory and experiment, they determined important parameters of these materials, paving the way for improving their superconductivity at higher temperatures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Water as a metal

Researchers produce aqueous solution with metallic properties for the first time by dropping a tiny droplet of liquid alkali metal alloy into water. The resulting 'metallic water' exhibits characteristic spectroscopic properties, including a golden glow and conduction band.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Uniquely sharp X-ray view

For the first time, scientists have successfully used transient grating spectroscopy with ultrafast X-rays to explore material properties at the atomic level. This method allows for the observation of individual atoms and selective measurement of specific chemical elements in a mixture of substances.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 22, 2021

Mapping out a transient atom

A new experiment provides insights into transient atomic states, enabling better understanding of photocatalysis, elementary steps in photosynthesis and radiation damage. The study uses high-resolution electron spectroscopy to capture a snapshot of the short-lived state produced when X-rays interact with neon atoms.

SourceEuropean XFEL·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 22, 2020
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X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy under real ambient pressure conditions

Researchers successfully improved an ambient-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy instrument using hard X-rays to measure samples under real atmospheric pressure for the first time. This achievement broadens the range of applications for photoelectron spectroscopy, enabling direct examination of reactions between solids and gases.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 27, 2017

Making a good thing better

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. They found that the actual solvation environment of lithium ions is non-tetrahedral, contrary to previous predictions. This discovery could lead to more efficient and better-performing electrolytes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateDec 19, 2014

A better look at the chemistry of interfaces

Researchers developed a new X-ray spectroscopy technique called SWAPPS, combining standing-wave and ambient-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy to study heterogeneous interfaces with sub-nanometer resolution. This allows for the measurement of elemental and chemical composition with enhanced sensitivity in narrow interfacial regions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2014

Notre Dame physicists use ion beams to detect art forgery

Researchers at Notre Dame are using proton-induced x-ray emission and Accelerator Mass Spectroscopy to analyze artifacts, shedding light on trading patterns, economic conditions, and history. The techniques allow for the detection of counterfeit art work without destroying samples.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPhysics Today·DateJan 20, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

LiXEdrom: Innovative measuring chamber for X-ray study of liquid jets

Researchers at Helmholtz Association have developed a unique X-ray measuring chamber, LiXEdrom, which enables the study of liquids without membrane distortion. This breakthrough allows for precise information about material structure and has significant implications for protein studies.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalChemical Physics·DateSep 10, 2010

Recovering Pompeii

Researchers from France and Italy used synchrotron light to investigate the mysterious darkening of ancient Pompeii wall paintings, discovering chemical reactions involving chlorine, mercury, and calcite. The study provides new insights for conservators and preservation of Roman archaeological sites.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 1, 2006