News archive

Browse the full collection of SLAC press releases and news features and stay up to date on the latest scientific advancements at the laboratory.

Three SLAC scientists explain what they do to ensure the world's largest digital camera for astronomy is ready for the big time.

A digital sensor array is visible through a large camera lens inside a white room.

Scientists developed a groundbreaking technology that allows them to see sound waves and microscopic defects inside crystals, promising insights that connect ultrafast atomic motion to large-scale macroscopic behaviors.

CXI hutch

Powerful X-rays generated at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory help researchers shed new light on feather evolution.

This figure shows how protein compositions in feathers change over time and temperature.

SSRL's X-ray tools reveal that alcohol groups on a nanodiamond's surface allow one of the world's most valuable materials to bond with one of its most abundant.

Purple layers surround angular red chunks. These are struck by gold rays, which release white spheres from the purple and red objects.

With up to a million X-ray flashes per second, 8,000 times more than its predecessor, it transforms the ability of scientists to explore atomic-scale, ultrafast phenomena that are key to a broad range of applications, from quantum materials to clean...

LCLS-II first light

Sebek’s extraordinary career at SSRL includes helping build the facility’s original electron injector back in the 1980s and working on almost all of its electrical systems since.

This photograph shows 2023 Lytle award winner Jim Sebek at work on SSRL's electrical systems.

Analyzing X-ray movies with computer vision reveals how nanoparticles in a lithium-ion battery electrode work.

Illustration of battery electrode nanoparticles being imaged by X-rays
News Feature · VIA Symmetry Magazine

Imagining the future of gravitational-wave research

To understand why scientists are excited about detecting a new background, just look to the history of studies of the CMB.

Illustration of galaxies in a Petri dish

James’ research on chronic and acute mercury exposure challenges conventional views

Ashley James sits on a park bench.

They aim to help society respond ten times faster with treatments for future disease outbreaks.

This is a portrait photograph of SSRL scientist Aina Cohen.