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.
Nouveau procédé améliore la performance des batteries lithium
Une nouvelle approche du PSI pour améliorer les performances des batteries offre à l'industrie de nouvelles opportunités pour des solutions de stockage d'énergie efficaces et durables.
Araris Biotech: Partenariat stratégique dans le domaine des thérapies contre le cancer
Avec son nouveau partenariat avec Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Araris franchit une nouvelle étape dans le développement de thérapies innovantes contre le cancer.
Une nouvelle couche protectrice rend les batteries plus performantes
Augmenter la densité énergétique des batteries lithium-ion: c’est possible grâce à une méthode de revêtement de la surface de la cathode. Ce procédé durable a été développé au PSI.
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 ...
2024 au PSI: rétrospective
Recherche au PSI en 2024: des signes prometteurs
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.
Les câbles de la SLS
Technique du bâtiment, aimants, informatique: de nombreux groupes participent à la mise à niveau de la SLS. Ils sont reliés entre eux par plusieurs centaines de kilomètres de câbles.
Décision concernant IMPACT: la mise à niveau de l’installation de recherche du PSI sera réalisée
Le financement des transformations à l’accélérateur de protons du PSI a été avalisé par le Parlement suisse.
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 célèbre son 5e anniversaire
Nous félicitons chaleureusement ANAXAM pour son cinquième anniversaire!
Depuis sa création en 2019, ANAXAM s’est imposé comme un partenaire fiable pour l’industrie, offrant des solutions innovantes en analyse appliquée des matériaux.
Vers un trafic routier faiblement émetteur de dioxyde de carbone
Des scientifiques de l’Institut Paul Scherrer PSI montrent comment une intégration habile des énergies renouvelables permettrait de décarboniser le trafic routier.
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: pour la société suisse
Pour être à la pointe, au niveau mondial, dans le domaine des muons et de la production de radionucléides médicaux: l'importance de la mise à niveau prévue.
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.
A bord du laboratoire volant
La Centrale nationale d’alarme (CENAL) effectue, chaque année, des vols de mesure avec le soutien du PSI. Objectif: déterminer la situation radiologique en Suisse.
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.
PSI et AlphaSYNT: Pionniers sur le chemin des technologies énergétiques durables
AlphaSYNT et le PSI reçoivent le soutien du Fonds de recherche du canton d'Argovie pour viser la mise à l'échelle du design du réacteur dans la gamme des MW à deux chiffres.
Décoller avec du kérosène durable
Dans le monde entier, les scientifiques travaillent à trouver et à optimiser de nouveaux moyens de produire du carburant sans impact sur le climat. Au PSI, ils poursuivent une approche prometteuse en commun avec l’industrie.
L'ESA ouvre un centre d'innovation en Suisse
L'Agence Spatiale Européenne (ESA) lance le "European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre" (ESDI) en collaboration avec le PSI, situé dans le Park Innovaare.
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.
L’ESA débarque en Suisse
La signature d’un contrat entre l’Agence spatiale européenne (ESA) et le PSI marque le lancement de l’European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre ESDI.
Le Laboratoire Chaud a 60 ans
En Suisse, l’installation nucléaire en service depuis le plus longtemps se trouve à l’Institut Paul Scherrer PSI. Elle fête son anniversaire aujourd’hui.
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 ...
S’attaquer à la racine d’un problème de santé global
Imad El Haddad analyse la composition chimique et l’impact sur la santé des particules fines au Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences de l’Institut Paul Scherrer PSI.
Conférence Technologique : IA dans les processus de fabrication
Quand : Jeudi 28 novembre 2024, de 13h30 à 18h00
Où : Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen PSI, Auditorium (PSI Ouest)
Inscrivez-vous dès aujourd'hui – nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir !
Kagome breaks the rules at record breaking temperatures
Discovery of quantum phenomenon at accessible temperatures could be useful for quantum technologies.
Une promesse complexe
Une aviation climatiquement neutre n’implique pas seulement de réduire les émissions des vols. Une étude du PSI analyse ce qui sera nécessaire pour atteindre cet objectif à long terme.
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!
Vers une médecine contrôlée par la lumière
Des scientifiques du PSI ont élucidé la structures de certains photorécepteurs spéciaux.
XRnanotech remporte le Swiss Excellence Product Award 2024
La société XRnanotech AG a remporté le Swiss Excellence Product Award 2024 dans la catégorie PME. Ce spin-off du PSI a été récompensé pour ses développements remarquables dans le domaine des lentilles de Fresnel et des éléments optiques diffractifs (DOE).
Souder sur une grande scène
Ceux qui grimpent sur ce podium font partie des meilleurs talents professionnels du monde. Melvin Deubelbeiss, électronicien au PSI, a remporté la médaille d’argent aux WorldSkills 2024.
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 et SynFuels aux Energy Days ! au Musée Suisse des Transports
18, 19 et 20 octobre 2024
Le iLab de l'Institut Paul Scherrer participera aux Energy Days avec des ateliers passionnants. Découvrez comment nous pouvons stocker l'énergie renouvelable grâce à des technologies innovantes comme le Power-to-Gas et faire avancer la transition énergétique.
Déchiffrer l’énigme des protéines
Cette année, le prix Nobel de chimie est attribué à trois chercheurs qui ont contribué de manière déterminante à déchiffrer le code des protéines, ces importants éléments constitutifs de la vie. Mais pour que des applications puissent être développées à partir de ces connaissances, par exemple dans le domaine médical, des centres de recherche comme le PSI sont indispensables.
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
Comment les catalyseurs éliminent des oxydes d’azote dangereux
En catalyse industrielle, le fer n'est pas égal au fer.
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.