Laser and LSNO (IMAGE) DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Caption This is an illustration of an ultrashort laser light striking a lanthanum strontium nickel oxide crystal, triggering the melting of atomic-scale stripes. The charges (yellow) quickly become mobile while the crystal distortions react only with delay, exposing the underlying interactions. Credit Robert Kaindl/Berkeley Lab Usage Restrictions Editorial use only with credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.