Powerful lasers probe quantum properties of iron in deep, molten rock (IMAGE)

DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Powerful lasers probe quantum properties of iron in deep, molten rock

Caption

Deep inside rocky planets like Earth, the behavior of iron can greatly affect the properties of molten rock materials: properties that influenced how Earth formed and evolved. Scientists used powerful lasers and ultrafast X-rays to recreate the extreme conditions in these molten rock materials, called silicate melts, and measure properties of iron. 

 

Credit

Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

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