Laser pointer cooperates with biological experts to study viruses
Laser and biological experts at Berkeley National Laboratory are collaborating to develop a platform and experiment. To study the structure and composition of the virus. And understand how the virus interacts with the surrounding environment. Such experiments can provide new insights on how to reduce the infectivity of viruses. The new platform will be built on Berkeley Lab's world-leading R&D achievements in laser pointer-based plasma acceleration. In the research, the laser pulse will produce a peculiar, super-hot state of matter called plasma. This quickly accelerates the charged particles (electrons and ions). Scientists at Berkeley Lab set a new world record last year by accelerating electrons to high energy with a span of 20 centimeters.
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In the new device, accelerated electrons will produce x-rays. The x-ray will act as a stroboscope under the microscope. Capture the image of the water droplets carried by the virus dripping into the x-ray path. At the same time, synchronization is within a peta-second. The second laser beam will hit these droplets to obtain another layer of data about the virus particles and their composition and other substances in the droplets. In this preliminary study, researchers will use alternative viruses with similar characteristics to the new coronavirus. But it is safe for laboratory staff. These droplets are not just a small bag of water. And it is a complex mixture of protein and salt, which will affect the stability of the virus.
2021-01-06 05:51:22
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