Laboratory Science Highlights | U.S. DOE Office of Science (SC)

Researchers study neutron star crusts by simulating neutron matter then adding “hidden” neutrons to mediate interactions between “real” neutrons. Next, neural networks construct a quantum wave function of neutron matter’s normal and superfluid phases.

Probing Neutron Star Crusts with Artificial Neural Networks

Scientists find evidence of superfluidity in low-density neutron matter by using highly flexible neural-network representations of quantum wave functions.

Contour plot of electron temperature (left) and radial profiles of electron temperature (center) and ion temperature (right) across an island, with ion temperature showing a gradient observed experimen-tally (blue) and reproduced in simulations (red).

In a Fusion Device Plasma, a Steep Ion Temperature Gradient Slows the Growth of Magnetic Islands

The first measurement of ion temperature in magnetic islands identified a steep gradient, providing insights for improving plasma confinement in tokamaks.

A gas-phase X-Ray scattering experiment captures cyclopentadiene rapidly transforming into the strained bicyclo[2.1.0]pentene. This structure change is triggered by a pump pulse (blue) and detected through X-ray scattering (yellow).

Carbon Rings Under Stress

Ultrafast X-ray experiments provide direct evidence that interaction of light with a hydrocarbon molecule produces strained molecular rings.

A metallic line atop a medium biased at the edge of chaos can provide effective negative resistance for time-varying signals, outputting a larger signal compared to its input. The energy for amplification comes from the static bias applied to the medium.

The “Edge of Chaos” Amplifies Signals Without Transistors

Emulating the edge of chaos of axons enables a metal wire to overcome its resistance without cooling, thereby amplifying signals flowing inside of it.

3D-printed metal samples are about 4 inches wide. Printed and heat-treated samples are mounted on a pedestal and exposed to a neutron beam to analyze residual stresses, or irregularities such as cracks or voids, created during the manufacturing process.

Neutrons Help Improve 3D-Printed Superalloys for Applications in Extreme Environments

Neutron experiments revealed microscopic details about a special 3D-printed superalloy that could potentially reduce component costs.

Artist’s representation of camelina seeds with contrasting seed coat colors and oil amounts. Disruption of the TT8 gene in camelina changed the regular brown seed color to light yellow and enhanced oil accumulation.

Engineered Yellow-Seeded Camelina Packs More Oil

Scientists use gene editing to create a yellow-seeded camelina that may boost oil yield.

Researchers have long thought pure niobium superconducting radiofrequency cavities were best for particle accelerators. Researchers are now using a toolkit to learn how to add impurities to the cavities to make them smoother—and more efficient.

Smoother Surfaces Make for Better Particle Accelerators

An enhanced topographic analysis toolkit for forecasting and improving particle accelerator performance is helping scientists build better accelerators.

Smoother Surfaces Make for Better Particle Accelerators

An enhanced topographic analysis toolkit for forecasting and improving particle accelerator performance is helping scientists build better accelerators.

Four layers of a surface-conducting material (Bi2Te3) between two single layers of a magnetic insulator (MnBi2Te4). This structure creates the conditions to align the manganese spins (red arrows) and support a zero-resistance, spin-polarized current.

Could a Magnetic Sandwich Make Your Electronic Devices Work More Efficiently?

Layers of a surface-conducting material, sandwiched between layers of a magnetic insulator, could lead to more powerful, energy-efficient electronics.