schematic of RIXS method (IMAGE) DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory Caption This cartoon shows how x-rays (yellow zigzags) reveal information about atoms' electronic structure in a nickel-oxide superconductor, where nickel atoms have red electron orbitals and oxygen-atom orbitals are teal. The larger the orbital, the more electrons in it. These studies are helping researchers understand similarities and difference between nickel- and copper-based superconductors. Credit Brookhaven National Laboratory Usage Restrictions OK for use with stories about this research. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.