July 3, 2025

Video | Upgraded X-ray laser science: radiation effects

Now 10,000 times brighter and thousands of times faster, LCLS sheds light on the formation of free radicals in nature – from our skin to outer space. 

alt text
Video
Linda Young, distinguished fellow at Argonne National Laboratory and professor of physics at The University of Chicago, shares how her team is using the upgraded LCLS to study how free radicals form in nature, in outer space and in our bodies. (Olivier Bonin & Sam Soon/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

About SLAC

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery. Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing and the development of next-generation accelerators.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Dig Deeper

Related stories

Multimedia

Researchers used LCLS to capture the ultrafast motion of electrons inside molecules – at scales never before possible. 

Complex scientific machinery with metal components
Feature

The technique could improve how scientists study materials and drive advancements in high-performance technologies, such as next-generation computer chips.

poincare beams
Feature

With a suite of reimagined instruments, researchers take up scientific inquiries that were out of reach just one year ago. 

Large metallic machine in a lab, featuring valves, circular bolts, and digital displays with surrounding wires and tubing.
Multimedia

Researchers used LCLS to capture the ultrafast motion of electrons inside molecules – at scales never before possible. 

Complex scientific machinery with metal components
Feature

The technique could improve how scientists study materials and drive advancements in high-performance technologies, such as next-generation computer chips.

poincare beams
Feature

With a suite of reimagined instruments, researchers take up scientific inquiries that were out of reach just one year ago. 

Large metallic machine in a lab, featuring valves, circular bolts, and digital displays with surrounding wires and tubing.
Multimedia

Researchers used the upgraded LCLS to better understand what makes Xanthone – a powerful photocatalyst used in cancer therapies –  so efficient.  

close up of instrumentation in the TMO hutch
Feature

Researchers taking the first-ever direct measurement of atom temperature in extremely hot materials inadvertently disproved a decades-old theory and upended our understanding of superheating. 

Graphic representation shows a pulse of yellow light hitting a lattice and diffracting into a spectrum of color
Feature

Shweta Saraf and her team work to ensure the LCLS beamline runs without interruption. 

A woman stands next to a large blue server rack filled with electronic control units, wiring, and monitoring equipment. She is smiling at the camera while using a stylus to interact with a touchscreen interface on one of the devices.