In recognition of his innovations in theoretical and computational chemistry, Martinez received a fellowship—the so-called "genius award"—from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 2005. (Photo courtesy of Todd Martinez. Click for larger image.)

Ultrafast Theory at PULSE

by Michael Torrice

Vision is fast. Light hits molecules in your eye and triggers a cascade of signals to paint a picture in your brain in real time. But scientists at the PULSE Institute for Ultrafast Energy Science study even faster events. Some PULSE researchers want to understand how molecules, such as those in your eye, respond the instant light strikes them.

Theoretical chemist Todd Martinez builds computational models of these chemical instants. He is joining PULSE this month, to study the world of ultrafast chemistry that will become accessible through the Linac Coherent Light Source.

"Todd helps us a lot by filling in a very important gap. His group will be the first theory group at PULSE," said PULSE Director Phil Bucksbaum. "He creates a lot of excitement in the kinds of computational chemistry that we're interested in."

Martinez models how the electrons and nuclei of atoms react mere femtoseconds, or quadrillionths of a second, after they're bombarded with light. When light hits a molecule, its energy excites electrons in the atoms that make up the molecule. As the electrons relax, their energy spreads to the nuclei of the atoms, which begin to move. These motions eventually lead to the molecular rotations and shape changes of chemical reactions. Read more...

In 2008, SLAC-related research made big news with (clockwise from top left) BaBar's discovery of the lowest energy state of bottomonium, the launch of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the first beam in the Large Hadron Collider, and new types of iron superconductors.

SLAC in the News 2008

by Kelen Tuttle

SLAC-related experiments made big news in the past 12 months. December issues of publications ranging from Physics News Update to Science highlighted 2008's top news stories, many of which included research conducted at SLAC.

Physics News Update's top 10 scientific stories of the year included three projects involving the laboratory: the BaBar discovery of the lowest energy state of bottomonium, advancements in new types of superconductors, and the start-up of the Large Hadron Collider.

Both Nature and Science also named the LHC among their biggest news stories of the year, and Science named the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope among the magazine's top areas to watch in 2009.

Events

Jan 06 (12:30 p.m.) Experimental Seminar: Observation of the Omega_b- baryon
Jan 12 (12:30 p.m.) Experimental Seminar: The PAMELA Space Experiment

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Project Underway To Convert High Energy Physics Literature To Open Access Intellectual Property Watch
Desktop Atom Smashers Could Replace LHC New Scientist
Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs of 2008 Wired

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View online at http://today.slac.stanford.edu/.

In recognition of his innovations in theoretical and computational chemistry, Martinez received a fellowship—the so-called "genius award"—from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 2005. (Photo courtesy of Todd Martinez. Click for larger image.) Ultrafast Theory at PULSE by Michael Torrice Vision is fast. Light hits molecules in your eye and triggers a cascade of signals to paint a picture in your brain in real time. But scientists at the PULSE Institute for Ultrafast Energy Science study even faster events. Some PULSE researchers want to understand how molecules, such as those in your eye, respond the instant light strikes them. Theoretical chemist Todd Martinez builds computational models of these chemical instants. He is joining PULSE this month, to study the world of ultrafast chemistry that will become accessible through the Linac Coherent Light Source. "Todd helps us a lot by filling in a very important gap. His group will be the first theory group at PULSE," said PULSE Director Phil Bucksbaum. "He creates a lot of excitement in the kinds of computational chemistry that we're interested in." Martinez models how the electrons and nuclei of atoms react mere femtoseconds, or quadrillionths of a second, after they're bombarded with light. When light hits a molecule, its energy excites electrons in the atoms that make up the molecule. As the electrons relax, their energy spreads to the nuclei of the atoms, which begin to move. These motions eventually lead to the molecular rotations and shape changes of chemical reactions. Read more... In 2008, SLAC-related research made big news with (clockwise from top left) BaBar's discovery of the lowest energy state of bottomonium, the launch of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the first beam in the Large Hadron Collider, and new types of iron superconductors. SLAC in the News 2008 by Kelen Tuttle SLAC-related experiments made big news in the past 12 months. December issues of publications ranging from Physics News Update to Science highlighted 2008's top news stories, many of which included research conducted at SLAC. Physics News Update's top 10 scientific stories of the year included three projects involving the laboratory: the BaBar discovery of the lowest energy state of bottomonium, advancements in new types of superconductors, and the start-up of the Large Hadron Collider. Both Nature and Science also named the LHC among their biggest news stories of the year, and Science named the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope among the magazine's top areas to watch in 2009.	Events Jan 06 (12:30 p.m.) Experimental Seminar: Observation of the Omega_b- baryon Jan 12 (12:30 p.m.) Experimental Seminar: The PAMELA Space Experiment Access (see all) Building 50 Cooling Outage Alpine Gate Re-opened Excavation: Loop/South Target Rd Bldg 40 and 84 Parking Lots Closed Announcements (see all \| submit) Lab Announcements Tax Forms Due Jan–Feb Changes to Voluntary Disability Insurance Jan 1 Community Bulletin Board Retirement Savings Investment Counseling Sessions Training (see all \| register) Jan 12 (8:00 a.m.) CPR/First-Aid Recertification News (submit) Project Underway To Convert High Energy Physics Literature To Open Access Intellectual Property Watch Desktop Atom Smashers Could Replace LHC New Scientist Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs of 2008 Wired
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	Tuesday - January 6, 2009