Jul 3, 2025
Ichiko Aoba in Fiesole, 01.07.2025
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Ichiko Aoba in Fiesole, 01.07.2025
Understanding the Origin of the Universe
Great discoveries often need great tools. Powerful scientific accelerators, lasers and electron microscopes rely on photocathode materials. This colorized image, created using a helium ion microscope, shows a used photocathode electrode obtained from the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab). Photocathodes are used to direct high-energy beams, such as X-rays, at samples. Researchers at PNNL have made a first attempt to understand how and why the expensive photocathode materials degrade with repeated use. Knowing more could lead to longer-lasting photocathodes, less down time for maintenance, lower cost of instruments and deeper insight into the particles and forces that make up our universe.
Credit: PNNL/Vaithiyalingam Shutthanandan