YBa1−𝑥Sr𝑥CuFeO5 layered perovskites: An attempt to explore the magnetic order beyond the paramagnetic-collinear-spiral triple point
Layered perovskites of general formula AA'CuFeO5 are characterized by the presence of spiral magnetic phases whose ordering temperatures 𝑇spiral can be tuned far beyond room temperature by introducing modest amounts of Cu/Fe chemical disorder in the crystal structure. This rare property makes these materials prominent candidates to host multiferroicity and magnetoelectric coupling at temperatures suitable for applications. Moreover, it has been proposed that the highest 𝑇spiral value that can be reached in this structural family ( ∼400 K) corresponds to a paramagnetic-collinear-spiral triple point with potential to show exotic physics. Since generating high amounts of Cu/Fe disorder is experimentally difficult, the phase diagram region beyond the triple point has been barely explored. To fill this gap we investigate here eleven YBa1−𝑥Sr𝑥CuFeO5 solid solutions (0≤𝑥≤1 ), where we replace Ba with Sr with the aim of enhancing the impact of the experimentally available Cu/Fe disorder. Using a combination of bulk magnetization measurements, synchrotron x-ray and neutron powder diffraction we show that the spiral state with 𝐤𝑠=(1/2,1/2,1/2±𝑞) is destabilized beyond a critical Sr content, being replaced by a fully antiferromagnetic state with ordering temperature 𝑇coll2≥𝑇spiral and propagation vector 𝐤𝑐2=(1/2,1/2,0). Interestingly, both 𝑇spiral and 𝑇coll2 increase with 𝑥 with comparable rates. This suggests a common, disorder-driven origin for both magnetic phases, consistent with theoretical predictions.
Neues Verfahren steigert Leistung von Lithiumbatterien
Ein neuer Ansatz des PSI zur Leistungssteigerung von Akkus bietet der Industrie neue Chancen für effiziente und langlebige Energiespeicher.
Araris Biotech: Strategische Partnerschaft im Bereich der Krebstherapie
Mit der neuen Partnerschaft mit Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. setzt Araris einen weiteren Schritt in der Weiterentwicklung innovativer Krebstherapien.
Neue Schutzschicht macht Akkus leistungsfähiger
Die Energiedichte von Lithium-Ionen-Akkus erhöhen – eine am PSI entwickelte nachhaltige Methode zur Kathodenoberflächenbeschichtung macht’s möglich.
Connection between f-electron correlations and magnetic excitations in UTe2
The detailed anisotropic dispersion of the low-temperature, low-energy magnetic excitations of the candidate spin-triplet superconductor UTe2 is revealed using inelastic neutron scattering. The magnetic excitations emerge from the Brillouin zone boundary at the high symmetry Y and T points and disperse along the crystallographic b-axis. In applied magnetic fields ...
PSI-Jahresrückblick 2024
Lichtblicke – PSI-Forschung im Jahr 2024
Small-angle scattering interferometry with neutron orbital angular momentum states
Methods to prepare and characterize neutron helical waves carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) were recently demonstrated at small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) facilities. These methods enable access to the neutron orbital degree of freedom which provides new avenues of exploration in fundamental science experiments as well as in material characterization applications.
However, ....
Mitigating Cracks in Multi-Material Printing
Integrating metallic powders with thin foils in laser powder bed fusion can reduce interfacial cracks and improve microstructure quality in titanium-aluminum multi-material printing.
Die Kabel der SLS
Gebäudetechnik, Magnete, IT – viele Gruppen sind am Upgrade der SLS beteiligt. Ihr verbindendes Element sind mehrere hundert Kilometer Kabel.
IMPACT: Upgrade an PSI-Forschungsanlage beschlossen
Die Finanzierung der Umbauten an der Protonenbeschleunigeranlage des PSI wurde vom Schweizer Parlament bewilligt.
Fractional quasiparticles in three dimensions
Specific signatures of fractionalization have been observed in a three-dimensional system known as quantum spin ice.
Mapping the Nanoscale Architecture of Functional Materials
A new X-ray technique reveals the 3D orientation of ordered material structures at the nanoscale, allowing new insights into material functionality.
Together for Science with Neutrons, Muons and X-rays
Strategic partnership between research facilities in UK and Switzerland will create new capabilities to address global challenges using neutrons, muons and X-rays.
ANAXAM feiert 5-jähriges Jubiläum
Wir gratulieren ANAXAM ganz herzlich zu seinem fünfjährigen Bestehen! Seit seiner Gründung im Jahr 2019 hat sich ANAXAM als verlässlicher Partner für die Industrie etabliert, der innovative Lösungen in der angewandten Materialanalytik bietet.
Auf dem Weg zum Kohlendioxid-armen Strassenverkehr
Forschende des Paul Scherrer Instituts PSI zeigen, wie sich der Strassenverkehr durch eine geschickte Integration von erneuerbaren Energien dekarbonisieren lässt.
Not Rocket Science, just Nuclear Rocket Science
The PSI Laboratory for Reactor Physics and Thermal-Hydraulics (LRT) conducts computational and experimental research with focus on the safety of nuclear reactors and systems. In recent years, it established the EPSILON program to coordinate and consolidate its research activities on nuclear space applications. Among other things, developments were initiated towards an open-source European platform for high-fidelity simulations and experiments dedicated to space nuclear reactors. Referred to as the openSPACE platform, its underlying concepts are a) to include not only solvers but also reference simulation models as well as experimental validation data; b) to make all of these available to the broader and combined nuclear- and space communities for usage and/or further developments. Through this, the goal is thus not only to facilitate collaborative research in this area but also to enable effective support to the European Space Agency for thorough design, safety and performance evaluations of nuclear reactor systems for in-space propulsion and/or surface power. A first development phase focused on nuclear electric propulsion was proposed and retained among the two projects selected in 2023 by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) for its MARVIS call (Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Ventures in Space) and funded by the Swiss Secretariat for Research and Innovation (SERI). This project, to be conducted via four inter-connected PhD theses, was launched in October 2024 and this marks thus a key milestone for the propulsion of PSI nuclear research towards space.
Origin of the Suppression of Magnetic Order in MnSi under Hydrostatic Pressure
We experimentally study the evolution of the magnetic moment 𝑚 and exchange interaction 𝐽 as a function of hydrostatic pressure in the zero-field helimagnetic phase of the strongly correlated electron system MnSi. The suppression of magnetic order at ≈1.5 GPa is shown to arise from the 𝐽 collapse and not from a quantum fluctuations induced reduction of 𝑚. Our work provides benchmarks ...
Preparing the Future of PSI Large Facilities in Atmospheric Research
The Multiphase Chemistry Group in the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry (LAC) looks back to a nearly 20 years record of activities with in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ scanning transmission X-ray spectromicroscopy (STXM) to address key fundamental questions in atmospheric chemistry. This is the time to consider new horizons, align with current and future needs in atmospheric sciences, and to identify novel opportunities driven by upcoming trends in methods, technologies and facilities. This has been the topic of the Workshop ‘X-ray and Neutron Spectroscopy, Scattering and Imaging in Atmospheric Chemistry’, held at PSI 13 – 15 November 2024.
Anionic Disorder and Its Impact on the Surface Electronic Structure of Oxynitride Photoactive Semiconductors
The conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, stored in the form of hydrogen, bears enormous potential as a sustainable fuel for powering emerging technologies. Photoactive oxynitrides are promising materials for splitting water into molecular oxygen and hydrogen. However, one of the issues limiting widespread commercial use of oxynitrides is degradation during operation. While recent studies have shown the loss of nitrogen, its relation to reduced efficiency has not been directly and systematically addressed with experiments. In this study, we demonstrate the impact of the anionic stoichiometry of BaTaOxNy on its electronic structure and functional properties. Through experimental ion scattering, electron microscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy investigations, we determine the anionic composition ranging from the bulk toward the surface of BaTaOxNy thin films. This further serves as input for band structure computations modeling the substitutional disorder of the anion sites. Combining our experimental and computational approaches, we reveal the depth-dependent elemental composition of oxynitride films, resulting in downward band bending and the loss of semiconducting character toward the surface. Extending beyond idealized systems, we demonstrate the relation between the electronic properties of real oxynitride photoanodes and their performance, providing guidelines for engineering highly efficient photoelectrodes and photocatalysts for clean hydrogen production.
IMPACT für die Schweizer Gesellschaft
Weltspitze bei den Myonen und in der Herstellung medizinischer Radionuklide: Die weitreichende Bedeutsamkeit des geplanten Upgrades.
Operando phase mapping in multi-material laser powder bed fusion
Additive manufacturing (AM) or “3D printing” of metals, which builds structure layer by layer, has revolutionized the production of intricate 3D designs. Among its techniques, laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) excels in creating metallic parts with intricate designs and high precision. This process can combine different metals into innovative multi-material components with tailored properties, with regards to e.g., strength and thermal conductivity, surpassing the capabilities of single-material designs. However, ....
Acoustic emission signature of a martensitic transformation
Acoustic emission monitoring in 3D printing: real-time insights into martensitic phase transformations and crack formation.
Im fliegenden Labor
Die Nationale Alarmzentrale NAZ führt jährlich mit Unterstützung des PSI Messflüge durch, um die radiologische Lage der Schweiz zu bestimmen.
Neat, precise and brighter than ever
Researchers at SwissFEL succeed in improving the temporal coherence of XFEL pulses
Exact solution of the classical and quantum Heisenberg mean field spin glasses
We solve and elucidate the physics of quantum Heisenberg spins glasses, which governs the local moments in randomly doped, strongly correlated materials.
Pioniere auf dem Weg zu nachhaltigen Energietechnologien
AlphaSYNT und das PSI erhalten Unterstützung vom Forschungsfonds Aargau, um die Hochskalierung des Reaktordesigns in den zweistelligen MW-Bereich anzustreben.
Mit nachhaltigem Kerosin abheben
Weltweit arbeiten Forschende daran, neue Produktionswege für klimaneutralen
Flugtreibstoff zu finden und zu optimieren. Am PSI verfolgen sie gemeinsam
mit der Industrie einen vielversprechenden Ansatz.
ESA eröffnet Innovationszentrum in der Schweiz
Die Europäische Weltraumorganisation (ESA) eröffnet in Zusammenarbeit mit dem PSI das „European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre“ (ESDI) im Park Innovaare, direkt neben dem PSI.
Sample-position tracking using computer vision algorithms
In a collaboration between PSI and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, a sample position tracking setup based on a computer vision algorithm was developed to automatically track the sample position. A factor of ten improvement on the overlap between consecutive x-ray absorption spectra was obtained when the automatic sample tracking was used.
New benchmark helps solve the hardest quantum problems
Quantum many-body problems involve the highly complicated process of predicting the behaviour of many interacting quantum particles. A newly developed benchmark helps to solve these problems.
Die ESA kommt in die Schweiz
Eine Vertragsunterzeichnung zwischen der Europäischen Weltraumorganisation ESA und dem PSI markiert den Start des «European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre» ESDI.
60 Jahre Hotlabor
Die am längsten in Betreib stehende kerntechnische Anlage der Schweiz befindet sich am PSI und feiert heute ihr Jubiläum.
Continuum Excitations in a Spin Supersolid on a Triangular Lattice
Magnetic, thermodynamic, neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering are used to study spin correlations in the easy-axis XXZ triangular lattice magnet K2Co(SeO3)2. Despite the presence of quasi-2D “supersolid” magnetic order, the low-energy excitation spectrum contains no sharp modes and is instead a broad and structured multiparticle continuum. Applying a weak magnetic field ...
Ein globales Gesundheitsproblem bei der Wurzel packen
Imad El Haddad analysiert am Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences des Paul Scherrer Instituts PSI die chemische Zusammensetzung und die gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen von Feinstaub.
Technology Briefing: KI in Fertigungsprozessen
Wann: Donnerstag, 28. November 2024, 13.30 –18.00 Uhr
Wo: Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen PSI, Auditorium (PSI West)
Melden Sie sich noch heute an - wir freuen uns auf Sie!
Kagome breaks the rules at record breaking temperatures
Discovery of quantum phenomenon at accessible temperatures could be useful for quantum technologies.
Ein komplexes Versprechen
Zur klimaneutralen Luftfahrt gehört mehr als nur die Reduktion der Emissionen beim Fliegen selbst. Eine Studie des PSI analysiert, was zum Erreichen des Fernziels nötig ist.
Reentrant multiple-q magnetic order and a “spin meta-cholesteric” phase in Sr3Fe2O7
Topologically nontrivial magnetic structures such as skyrmion lattices are well known in materials lacking lattice inversion symmetry, where antisymmetric exchange interactions are allowed. Only recently, topological multi-q magnetic textures that spontaneously break the chiral symmetry, for example, three-dimensional hedgehog lattices, were discovered in centrosymmetric compounds, where they are instead driven by frustrated interactions. Here we show that ...
PSI am diesjährigen «Open-i»!
Das Open-i ist die führende Schweizer Innovationsplattform und wird am 21. & 22. November in Zürich ausgetragen - das PSI ist als Science Partner mit dabei!
Auf dem Weg zur lichtgesteuerten Medizin
Forschende des PSI haben die Struktur spezieller Fotorezeptoren aufgeklärt.
XRnanotech gewinnt Swiss Excellence Product Award 2024
XRnanotech AG gewinnt den Swiss Excellence Product Award 2024 in der Kategorie KMU und wird für seine herausragenden Entwicklungen im Bereich der Fresnel-Linsen und diffraktiven optischen Elemente ausgezeichnet.
Löten auf grosser Bühne
Wer hier aufs Podest kommt, gehört zu den weltbesten Berufstalenten: PSI-Elektroniker Melvin Deubelbeiss gewann bei den WorldSkills 2024 die Silbermedaille.
Skyrmion topology quantified in 3D
Researchers from an international collaboration between the United States of America and Switzerland have performed three-dimensional magnetic imaging of a magnetic skyrmion using soft X-ray laminography. This allowed for the investigation, in three dimensions, of the topological profile of the magnetic skyrmions.
iLab und Synfuels an den Energy Days! im Verkehrshaus
18., 19. und 20. Oktober 2024
Das iLab vom Paul Scherrer Institut ist bei den Energy Days! mit spannenden Workshops dabei. Erfahre, wie wir durch innovative Technologien wie Power-to-Gas erneuerbare Energie speichern und die Energiewende voranbringen können.
Die Rätsel der Proteine entschlüsseln
Der diesjährige Nobelpreis für Chemie geht an drei Forscher, die entscheidend dazu beigetragen haben, den Code der Proteine – wichtige Bausteine des Lebens – zu knacken. Doch damit aus diesem Wissen auch Anwendungen zum Beispiel in der Medizin entwickelt werden können, braucht es Forschungsinstitute wie das PSI.
Dual-site reaction mechanism for the simultaneous reduction of nitrous and nitric oxides
We have applied three spectroscopic techniques (XAS, EPR and DRIFTS) in combination withe modulated excitation and catalytic data to decipher and propose the complete reaction mechanism of the simultaneous reduction of N2O and NO
Wie Katalysatoren gefährliche Stickoxide beseitigen
In der industriellen Katalyse ist Eisen nicht gleich Eisen.
Discovery of charge order above roomtemperature in the prototypical kagome superconductor La(Ru1−xFex)3Si2
The kagome lattice is an intriguing and rich platform for discovering, tuning and understanding the diverse phases of quantum matter, crucial for advancing modern and future electronics. Despite considerable efforts, accessing correlated phases at room temperature has been challenging.