The melting of polar ice due to climate change will open global shipping routes through the Arctic in summer by mid-century, according to experts. More ships in the remote area means greater pollution impacts on the marine ecosystem. What will these impacts look like? In a first commissioning experiment at MAX IV’s SoftiMAX beamline, Swedish researchers analysed the cloud-forming abilities of particle exhaust from ships using low-sulphate fuels as well as high-sulphate fuels conditioned with wet scrubbers. Their findings indicate the fuel types produce different, but unintended effects on particle emissions and therefore, our atmosphere.
Combination of techniques for effective pharmaceutical formulation
The environment in your gastrointestinal tract affects the properties and effectiveness of medicines. Researchers have used MAX IV to investigate a technique for studying these changes. They found that the structural properties of the anti-inflammatory drug Indomethacin changed in the presence of common biomolecules.
MAX IV’s role in the Government’s Research Bill
By the end of October, Lund University submitted its input to the Government’s proposed research and innovation politics. The contribution included input from MAX IV. In general, various actors mention MAX IV in their proposals to the Government’s research bill, emphasising the role of large-scale research infrastructures in reaching the research policy goals.
Call extension for several PRISMAS PhD application
PRIMSAS PhD programme is committed to give students the best possible opportunity to become leading synchrotron experts. Therefore, on Monday (30/10) the PRISMAS coordinating group has decided to extend the application period for several PhD positions. The new application deadline for these positions is now 17 November 2023.
Controllable droplets carry promise for self-assembled nanodevices
Metal patterns printed on a III-V semiconductor material can control the appearance and positions of droplets arising on its surface when heated. The result is a significant step forward for controlled device fabrication on a chip.
Honeycomb silicon carbide: a research surprise
While physicists and materials scientists have been trying to produce large-area, two-dimensional, high-quality silicon carbide (SiC) for some time with little to no success, a recent study at Bloch beamline made an unexpected breakthrough.
ForMAX beamline celebrates 1 year in operations
November 1 marks one year since ForMAX beamline officially opened for user experiments. Congratulations to ForMAX and everyone involved in making ForMAX possible! It has been one exciting first year.
MAX IV Open Day — An enlightening exploration of science
MAX IV Laboratory welcomed nearly 1000 visitors on Open Day, the facility’s first major public event in five years. A fantastic lineup of interactive science stations with enthusiastic staff engaged guests inside the experimental hall of the large ring. In the mix, exhibitor booths, Vattenhallen, the Lund Robotics group with Buster the dog, Tetrapak, ESS, Kraftringen, Nano Lund, Medicon Village, and the Uppåkra archaeological group, drew interesting discussion.
Size of support particles is key to catalytic converter efficiency
In a study conducted at MAX IV and other European synchrotrons, researchers from the Netherlands and Belgium show that the catalytic activity of highly distributed palladium depends on the size of the cerium dioxide support particles. Optimising particle size can lead to a more effective conversion of toxic carbon monoxide exhaust even in challenging cold start conditions. The study was published in the journal SCIENCE.
The 3rd Pulsed High Power RF Sources Workshop held at MAX IV
Experts in Pulsed Radio Frequency from 14 laboratories worldwide gathered at MAX IV from 18-20 September 2023 to discuss and exchange experiences, challenges, and knowledge regarding klystrons, modulators, and RF components. Pulsed RF power for a laboratory, such as MAX IV and other similar facilities, is one of the most essential components for the laboratory’s research activity. The facility’s performance relies heavily on Pulsed RF Power maintenance and developments.