The Future of Material Science: Scientists Create Atomic Movies to Uncover New Material Phase
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have created atomic movies showing how atoms rearrange locally within a quantum material as it transitions from an insulator to a metal. These movies have not only settled a yearslong scientific debate but also have the potential to revolutionize the design of new transitioning materials with commercial applications.
This research, recently published in Nature Materials, highlights a methodological achievement in materials characterization. The researchers demonstrated the feasibility and success of using atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis at X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. Typically, PDF is employed for experiments at synchrotron light sources, where samples are bombarded with pulses of X-rays to study material properties. However, the experiments are limited by the shortest X-ray pulses that can be generated.
“It’s like a camera’s shutter speed,” explained Jack Griffiths, co-lead author of the paper. “Shorter X-ray pulses help us view quickly changing materials in more detail, similar to a quick shutter speed capturing a fast-moving object.” The successful application of PDF at XFEL facilities opens up new possibilities for studying material dynamics on picosecond time scales.
With the use of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), an XFEL facility at DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the researchers were able to capture atomic movements in real-time as the quantum material transitioned between states. This breakthrough has laid the foundation for designing materials optimized for various applications in computing, chemistry, and energy storage.
The team’s efforts were not without challenges. Bringing PDF to an XFEL required a significant organizational effort and collaboration with experts in the field. The successful experiments have paved the way for further exploration into different material transitions and the potential discovery of new material phases.
One of the key findings of the research was the observation of a transient state induced by laser pulses on the quantum material. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about material transitions and opens up new possibilities for designing reliable and controlled phase switches for practical applications.
Looking ahead, the scientists are excited to continue exploring the potential of ultrafast PDF in studying complex phase switches in quantum materials. The technique not only has implications for materials design but also offers insights into fundamental physics questions and the development of new superconductors.
As the research continues and technology advances, the scientific community anticipates unlocking the full potential of the ultrafast PDF technique. With international interest in making this a routine and successful technique, the future of material science looks promising.
Collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts are essential for the success of projects like these. The team at Brookhaven National Laboratory is dedicated to optimizing the ultrafast PDF technique and exploring new frontiers in material science.
As we delve deeper into the world of material science, the possibilities are endless. The discovery of new material phases and the development of innovative materials hold exciting prospects for the future of technology and innovation.
Sample preparation for this research was conducted at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, a DOE Office of Science user facility at Brookhaven Lab. Additional measurements were taken at the Advanced Photon Source, a DOE Office of Science user facility at Argonne.
This groundbreaking work was primarily supported by the DOE Office of Science, underscoring the importance of continued investment in scientific research and discovery.