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Rupak Mahapatra: Then and now

DOE/US Department of Energy

Rupak Mahapatra is a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University.

Researchers capture crystal nucleation with atomic resolution in 4D (3D plus time)

DOE/US Department of Energy

Scientists have developed four-dimensional atomic electron tomography, which images the dynamics of structural changes at the atomic scale during nucleation. The scientists found that the nuclei came in a broad range of shapes and sizes and possess a diffuse interface surrounding a stable core. Their observations challenge the long-held classical nucleation theory.

Linking Properties to Defects in 2D Materials

DOE/US Department of Energy

Scientists measured the atomic and electronic structure of a two-dimensional semiconductor to understand defects in the crystal structure. The measurements were made at the same time and at the same location, and the quantum orbitals associated with the defects were visualized using an ultra-sharp probe made from a single carbon monoxide molecule.

New mechanism links ozone and disease resistance

DOE/US Department of Energy

Scientists have identified a new mechanism that can cause the molecular building blocks of cell membranes to break down. The mechanism is based on autoxidation from the interaction of oxygen and hydroxyl free radicals. Hydroxyl radicals can start a chain reaction when interacting with the Criegee intermediates that form from the reaction of certain hydrocarbons and atmospheric ozone.

Soils viruses: A rich reservoir of diversity

DOE/US Department of Energy

Scientists have limited knowledge of the role of viruses in soils. New research found that soils can contain many kinds of RNA viruses. Most likely infect fungi, but they could also infect bacteria, plants, and animals. The study found that soil viral populations change quickly, possibly in response to the environment.

Eric Potma: Then and now

DOE/US Department of Energy

Eric O. Potma is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He holds adjunct positions in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, and in the Beckman Laser Institute at UCI.

Timothy M. VanReken: Then and now

DOE/US Department of Energy

Timothy M. VanReken is a program director for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), part of the Office of Integrative Activities at the National Science Foundation.

Moving on Up, to the Top for Fusion Power

DOE/US Department of Energy

Researchers have demonstrated a new approach for injecting microwaves into a tokamak fusion device. In a fusion electron-cyclotron current drive (ECCD), microwaves help stabilize the plasma while the tokamak heats the plasma on the path to fusion. The new approach to ECCD is twice as efficient as previous approaches.

Nanocages trap and separate elusive noble gases

DOE/US Department of Energy

Researchers have discovered how two-dimensional nanoscale cages trap the noble gases argon, krypton, and xenon at above-freezing temperatures. Noble gases are hard to trap using other methods because they condense at temperatures far below freezing.

New metasurface helps make the switch to terahertz frequencies

DOE/US Department of Energy

Researchers are finding new applications for radiation between microwaves and infrared light. This terahertz radiation could lead to new capabilities in imaging, communications, and other areas. To expand its use, researchers need switches that work in less than a thousandth of a second, have a high contrast between 'off' and 'on' states, and efficiently carry electrical charges. Researchers have developed a new metasurface that does all three.