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Whistler waves appear to scatter runaway electrons in fusion plasmas

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

When whistler waves are present in a fusion plasma, runaway electrons pay attention. A research team led by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the first to directly observe the elusive waves inside a highly energized magnetic field as electrons zoom around the plasma. Using sophisticated technologies, the team made direct measurements of whistler waves produced when a laboratory plasma becomes unstable and generates runaway electrons.

PSI researchers seek existence of exotic quantum spin ice

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Researchers from the Paul Sherrer Institute are studying a fascinating sample using neutrons at ORNL's Spallation Neutron Source. Their goal is to create an observable case of quantum spin ice, a bizarre magnetic state found in a special class of materials that could lead to advances in quantum computing.

Novel reaction could spark alternate approach to ammonia production

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The search for a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly method of ammonia production for fertilizer has led to the discovery of a new type of catalytic reaction.

Journal: Science Advances

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, May 2018

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Peer-Reviewed Publication

ORNL studies how some trees respond and recover after heat waves; sensors collect data to uniquely identify vehicles; catalysis data calculations assist in overcoming limiting factor to break down olefins; ORNL tested NASA space probe instruments' ability to withstand sun's extreme heat; using neutrons, ORNL observed enzyme behavior to determine certain antibiotics' ineffectiveness.

Journal: Environmental Research Letters
Funder: Max Planck Institute, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, ORNL's Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, NASA, US Department of Energy's Office of Science

Unusual magnetic structure may support next-generation technology

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Researchers from Colorado State University are using neutrons to study a material with an unusual magnetic structure. This research could both enhance their team's fundamental understanding of frustrated magnetism and lead to improvements in digital information storage.

Machine speak: Left to their own devices, computers can figure it out

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Using novel machine learning techniques, a research team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory is teaching electronic devices how to speak for themselves.

Neutrons provide insights into increased performance for hybrid perovskite solar cells

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Neutron scattering at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has revealed, in real time, the fundamental mechanisms behind the conversion of sunlight into energy in hybrid perovskite materials. A better understanding of this behavior will enable manufacturers to design solar cells with significantly increased efficiency.

Journal: Advanced Materials
Funder: DOE/US Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences, DOE/US Department of Energy

Spinach used in neutron studies could unearth secret to stronger plant growth

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Researchers from Uppsala University are using neutrons to study RuBisCO, an abundant enzyme essential to life on earth. They hope to determine how plants and other organisms use this enzyme to catalyze a reaction called carbon fixation that converts carbon dioxide into useful organic compounds.

Custom-designed alloy enhances nuclear safety

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Business Announcement

A team led by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a safer cladding for nuclear fuel rods.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, April 2018

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An ORNL-led team cultivated a novel oral microbe in adults with periodontitis; ORNL partnered with FCA US and Nemak to develop a new cast aluminum alloy for engine cylinder heads, which could lead to better fuel efficiency; ORNL studies cast doubt on 40-year-old theory describing how plastic polymers behave during processing.

Journal: mBio
Funder: DOE/US Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health

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