Small Atoms, Big Impact
๐ Small-scale physics with real-world impact
In a recent study, Dr. Olga Girshevitz collaborated with Prof. Daniel Primetzhofer (Uppsala University, Sweden) and Prof. Louisa Meshi (Ben Gurion University of the Negev) take a deep dive into what happens when helium interacts with molybdenum, one of the workhorse materials used in nuclear and fusion-related technologies.
The key insight is surprisingly simple, yet powerful: itโs not just how much helium enters a material that matters, but how fast it gets there. Change the rate, and you change everything, from how nano-bubbles form to how internal stresses build up and spread.
Why should we care? Helium damage is a major reason materials fail in high-radiation environments. Learning how to control this process helps engineers design metals that last longer, fail less, and ultimately make advanced energy systems safer and more sustainable.
This is the kind of fundamental materials research that quietly shapes the future of cleaner energy, fewer resources wasted, and smarter design from the atomic level up.
Well done to Dr. Olga Girshevitz and the entire team for pushing this field forward. ๐โ๏ธ๐ฑ
