Magnet Lab Researchers Produce One of 2005's Top Physics Papers
April 25, 2006
Contact:
Ross McDonald, (505) 665-3857
rmcd@lanl.gov
Susan Ray, (850) 644-9651
sray@magnet.fsu.edu
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. — A paper on shape memory effect is leaving a lasting impression on the world of condensed matter physics.
The paper, "Fermi surface as a driver for the shape-memory effect in AuZn" has been chosen by Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter as one of the Top Papers of 2005. The papers and review articles chosen for the 2005 Showcase are considered to be the very best contributions of the last year.
"It makes all the long nights in the lab worthwhile when the result provokes so much interest," said Ross McDonald, the paper's lead author. McDonald is a scientist in the Pulsed Field Facility of the National High Magnetic Field Facility at Los Alamos, N.M.
The paper greatly contributes to the advancement of materials science. As summarized in the Showcase summary, "the data and calculations provide direct evidence about the role of the band-electron system and its Fermi surface in the shape memory effect, showing that band-structure/property relations are an important consideration for the design of future shape memory alloys."
Richard Palmer, publisher of the journal, said the top papers received the highest praise from the board referees and were the most highly downloaded articles throughout 2005.
The Pulsed Field Facility at LANL is one of the most scientifically productive high-field labs in the world, with an impressive and ever growing list of papers published in the most respected journals. Alex Lacerda, associate director for user operations for all three sites and director of the Pulsed Field Facility, said McDonald and his LANL colleagues are very deserving of the recognition.
"Having a staff with such rich research of its own is one reason why our user's program remains among the best in the world," said Lacerda.
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (www.magnet.fsu.edu) develops and operates state-of-the-art high-magnetic-field facilities that faculty and visiting scientists and engineers use for research in physics, biology, bioengineering, chemistry, geochemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the state of Florida, the lab is operated by Florida State University, and its 330,000-square-foot main facility is located in Tallahassee's Innovation Park. The magnet lab also has facilities at the University of Florida and at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
