Many forward-thinking scientists at synchrotron and newer free-electron laser x-ray facilities are hoping that someday scientists will be able to determine the structure of a single molecule using x-ray techniques. Lacking millions of similar molecules periodically spaced on a crystalline lattice, the x-ray signal from a single molecule will be extraordinarily weak. Still, with the advent of imaging detectors that have very low background noise, it still seems feasible that even a few photons scattered from a single molecule should be sufficient.

RIM experiments at CHESS have reached a degree of complexity that a permanent lab was set up, in which users can test and develop their experimental set-ups as well as can be trained in the use of CHESS sample cells and ancillary equipment. A mock-up of the D1 station sample goniomenter is set up on an optical table (Figure 1) and can be equipped with a sample microscope, an optical spectrometer, or an optical film thickness monitor, so that complex experiments can be prepared and tested, before the equipment is transferred to the beamline.

As of earlier this month, the secret is out: Pablo Picasso’s 1901 masterpiece, “The Blue Room,” part of the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., is indeed painted over another painting of a bearded, bow-tied man, according to details released by museum officials.

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"Some Early Synchrotron Radiation History"

Preface

Each will receive $1 million over five years to create activities that integrate their research with student learning in ways that enhance undergraduate students’ understanding of science.

Crane’s HHMI project will build on Cornell’s successful prefreshman summer program (PSP) that prepares students for freshman chemistry. He and chemistry professor Stephen Lee, who recently revamped the PSP, will extend the program to prepare the students for more advanced chemistry and then initiate them into research experiences.

This school is part of the new Insitμ (Integrated Simulation and Interrogation Tools and Training for μmechanics) center at CHESS. The first day began with CHESS workshop I entitled Structural Materials Opportunities for Combining Polycrystal Modeling and High Energy X-rays http://meetings.chess.cornell.edu/UserMeeting2014/workshops.html#Workshop1.

The international user base was represented by 174 attendants who congregated to discuss this year's theme, "Exploring the Art and Science of Synchrotron X-ray Research". The plenary session on June 10 included a morning facility update session with the CHESS and MacCHESS directors, where exciting upgrade plans were presented, along with a summary of updates to the beam time proposal system. The invited user science sessions featured a cross-section of cutting edge user research, spanning the range from virology to superconductivity to art conservation.

One of the most ambitious is the installation of new undulators for the upcoming Fall 2014 run, which means the removal of the Finkelstein Wiggler. This was a precision move over a large distance and many thanks to our "Riggers" for their expertise in gently guiding the 9,000+ pound wiggler out of the synchrotron.

The photocathode is the source of electrons that become the x-ray source in the case of a light source like a free-electron laser or an energy recovery linac. Karkare, with faculty advisor Ivan Bazarov (Cornell Physics Department), has been using a variety of tools to simulate, design and fabricate novel materials needed to make state-of-the-art photocathode sources. This publication presents new simulation tools that will help design better materials for future applications.

Established in 2005, the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of nanoscale science and engineering in the field of chemical engineering.

Archer was recognized “for pioneering and sustained research on nanoparticle-polymer hybrid materials and their applications in electrochemical energy storage technologies,” according to his award citation.

Archer will give a lecture during the NSEF plenary session Nov. 19 at the 2014 AICHE annual meeting in Atlanta.