In the quest for higher density information storage, some scientists have turned their attention to magnetic Skyrmions - stable nanometer-size swirls of spin. Initially restricted to liquid Helium temperatures, high applied magnetic fields, and to single-crystalline materials, magnetic Skyrmions are now routinely studied in various magnetic multilayer superlattices at room temperature and low applied magnetic fields. Researchers can generate and eliminate Skyrmions en-masse through the application of magnetic fields. However, the applicability of magnetic Skyrmions in future memory devices relies on the addressing and manipulation of single magnetic whirls.

Pre-filled syringes with staked-in needles are a popular option enabling patients to give themselves injections at home. These syringes are already filled with the liquid medication and commonly need to be kept cool. Depending on several conditions (the water vapour permeability of the needle's protective shield, the temperature history and the long-term storage condition), it is possible for the injection needle to become clogged. In order to better understand this phenomenon and minimise it in the long run, researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, the University of Basel and the company F. Hoffmann-La Roche jointly sought to determine under which conditions the liquid medication inadvertently enters the injection needle. Their research results show that the storage conditions of the pre-filled syringes are truly crucial.

Temperature-pressure phase diagram of the Kitaev hyperhoneycomb iridate β-Li₂IrO₃ is explored using magnetization, thermal expansion, magnetostriction, and muon spin rotation measurements, as well as single-crystal x-ray diffraction under pressure and ab initio calculations. The Néel temperature of β-Li₂IrO₃ increases with the slope of 0.9 K/GPa upon initial compression, but the reduction in the polarization field H_c reflects a growing instability of the incommensurate order. At 1.4 GPa, the ordered state breaks down upon a first-order transition, giving way to a new ground state marked by the coexistence of dynamically correlated and frozen spins ...

CALIPSOplus, a European Horizon2020 funded research and innovation program, provides access support for SMEs to light sources. The access is based on a specific review system for SMEs in parallel to the established academic access route but following the same principles. The proposal confidentiality is kept during the whole process. If the proposal is accepted, the SME will have access to the requested light sources and the experiments will be financially supported through CALIPSOplus, more information.
For industry use, SLS and SwissFEL also offer direct access through the proprietary route, as well. Read more

SINQ will resume normal user operation as planned from July 2nd on for the rest of the year. For six instruments (FOCUS, EIGER, TASP, DMC, HRPT and SANS-II) a second call for proposals in 2018 has been launched. The submission deadline will be July 20. More information on that subject can be found here.
After the end of the 2018 operation period in December SINQ will undergo a large upgrade program, which includes the replacement of the whole neutron guide system as well as significant upgrades of various instruments. We aim to be back in operation by mid 2020 and will keep you informed about the progress of the program.

On May 23 the result of the 2018 proposal evaluation round has been distributed to the users of the Swiss Muon Source. In total 190 proposals had been submitted by March 4 (DOLLY: 40, GPD: 20, GPS: 58, HAL: 15, LEM: 33 and LTF: 24). Those proposals applied for totally 827 days of muon beamtime leading to a significant oversubscription on the SμS instruments.

Data storage devices based on novel materials are expected to make it possible to record information in a smaller space, at higher speed, and with greater energy efficiency than ever before. Movies shot with the X-ray laser show what happens inside potential new storage media, as well as how the processes by which the material switches between two states can be optimised.

The Laboratory for Particle Physics LTP houses the Vocational Training for apprentices in electronics at PSI. Within the basic training courses in LTP the apprentices are involved in production, tests and delivery of many electronic components, modules and units for PSI projects and therefore contribute significantly to the instrumentation of the PSI user facilities.
Based on an evaluation by SwissMEM, the professional association of the Swiss machine, electrical and metal industries, two of our apprentices, Sven Schlienger and Mario Liechti, qualified for participation in the Swiss Skills 2018. In total 12 participants in electrical engineering will in September compete for the Swiss championship and the ticket to the World Skills 2019.

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PSI Facility News addresses the users of the PSI large facilities and appears quarterly in English. Any feedback is highly welcome! More information. 

Contact: PSI User Office, Phone: +41-56-310-4666, Email: useroffice@psi.ch