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Breakthrough: Researchers Measure Gold's Atoms at 19,000 Kelvins

8/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at SLAC's MEC instrument measured atom temperatures in superheated gold at 19,000 kelvins, surpassing the "entropy catastrophe" limit.
The technique employs ultrabright X-rays to directly measure atomic vibrations, eliminating the need for complex modeling.
This discovery challenges long-standing theories on solid-state behavior and enhances research opportunities in warm dense matter and fusion energy.

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Story summary

Researchers at SLAC's MEC instrument measured atom temperatures in superheated gold at 19,000 kelvins, surpassing the "entropy catastrophe" limit.
The technique employs ultrabright X-rays to directly measure atomic vibrations, eliminating the need for complex modeling.
This discovery challenges long-standing theories on solid-state behavior and enhances research opportunities in warm dense matter and fusion energy.