References & Sources

Speedy X-ray bursts reveal atomic action

Zapping a semiconductor with ultrashort X-ray pulses, researchers have directly observed the breakdown of atomic order as a crystal melts.

References:

Siders, C.W., et al. 1999. Detection of nonthermal melting by ultrafast X-ray diffraction. Science 286(Nov. 12):1340.

Further Readings:

Peterson, I. 1999. Chemistry Nobel spotlights fast reactions. Science News 156(Oct. 16):247.

Sources:

Michael W. Downer
University of Texas
Department of Physics
C1600
Austin, TX 78712

Craig W. Siders
University of California, San Diego
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
9500 Gilman Drive, MSC 0339
La Jolla, CA 92093-0339

From Science News, Vol. 156, No. 20, November 13, 1999, p. 310. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.