STM images of superconductor atoms under varying voltages.

Berkeley Lab researchers have used a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to reveal eight-fold patterns of quasiparticle interference in a high-temperature superconductor. Electronic interference is known in metals and low-temperature superconductors, but this is the first time the unique eight-fold configuration of quasiparticle interference, predicted by theory, has been seen in high-transition-temperature (high-Tc) superconductors. They report their findings in today’s issue of Nature. Full story.

The Java Wave mobile coffee and refreshment truck will be unable to make its rounds today due to mechanical problems. Those repairs should be completed by Friday, so that it can resume regular service by mid-morning tomorrow.

The public health challenges faced as a result of the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are being addressed by a campus task force of medical and health experts. No cases have been reported locally, but Chancellor Robert Berdahl has urged the campus community to keep up-to-date on guidelines and recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control. Information and guidance on SARS is at the University Health Service web site.

CompUSA provides on-site training in a number of computer applications. Upcoming classes and dates are Excel 2000 Fundamentals (4/30), Presentation Skills using PowerPoint (5/1), Windows XP Fundamentals, (5/19) Dreamweaver 4.0 Introduction (6/3), PowerPoint 2000 Intermediate/Advanced (6/12), Excel 2000 Intermediate (6/17) And Dreamweaver 4.0 Intermediate(6/26). Cost is $199 per class and sessions are held in Bldg. 51L. Read class descriptions and enroll under “Training” and “Computer applications” at the self-help site here.