Elusive carbonic acid: it really exists!
The existence of carbonic acid has long been the subject of debate: theoretically real, but practically impossible to detect.
Science Highlights
Neutrons expose the insides of an antique pendant
Thanks to the non-destructive examinations using neutrons, researchers identified miniscule bone fragments inside the object, presumably religious relics.
Grimy windows could be harbouring toxic pollutants
Dirty windows can harbour potentially harmful pollutants under protective films of fatty acids from cooking emissions – and these can hang around over long periods of time.
Understanding the feasibility of ‘magnetic graphene’
Only by using neutron instruments from across the globe, have researchers been able to characterise the magnetism of a graphene-like material.
Optimising car brakes
Researchers at PSI have joined forces with employees of the technology transfer centre, ANAXAM, and the industrial partner Audi Sport to shed light on a potential sticking point: they have used neutrons to examine a brake calliper in action and reveal ways of optimising it.
Graphene’s magic in a magnet
Using advanced neutron scattering, researchers have probed the magnetic band structures in a crystal of chromium tribromide, revealing a complex magnetic topology.
Using polarised neutrons to image more sustainable magnetic materials
A collaboration between European facilities has enabled polarised neutrons to be used on the IMAT instrument at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, to study 3D-printed magnets.
Using SANS to study super duplex stainless steel
A study of phase separation in super duplex stainless steel could help to develop future alloys that are less susceptible to long-term thermal degradation
A quantum wave in two crystals
A team from TU Vienna, INRIM Turin and ILL Grenoble has succeeded for the first time in building a neutron interferometer from two separate crystals.
Neutrons help track down mammalian ancestors
A team of German and Argentinian researchers has used neutrons in the FRM II research neutron source at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) to identify an animal species that has been extinct for 220 million years. Findings on the new species provide surprising insights into the evolution of mammals.
