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SLAC builds and uses various kinds of lasers to do scientific research. 

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PULSE graduate student Jian Chen in a laser lab at SLAC.
News Brief

With a new method that could be extended to study Earth’s core and nuclear fusion, they identify and explain jumps in the electrical conductivity...

Illustration of a short laser pulse heating a sheet of aluminum, causing it to melt and break up into droplets.
News Release

Experiments running at these higher pulse rates will allow scientists to capture ultrafast processes with greater precision, collect data more efficiently and explore phenomena...

lcls ii milestone
Feature

Researchers at SLAC are developing experimental techniques to evaluate new candidates for inertial fusion energy targets. 

a graphic in the style of graphic novel depicts four lasers converging on a spherical target, which represents an inertial fusion energy reaction
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.
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

One-quintillionth of a second lasing breakthrough could lead to next-generation X-ray technologies, improving imaging in medical, material, and quantum science.

A purple blob with black streaks and a yellow center.
Feature

In this Q&A, Arianna Gleason discusses the technologies needed to make commercialized fusion energy a reality and how SLAC is advancing this energy frontier. 

Headshot of Arianna Gleason with graphic representation of a laser shot
News Brief

As a member of a collaborative team led by General Atomics, SLAC will help bridge basic research programs with the growing fusion industry. 

Graphic representation of lasers hitting a fusion fuel target in a fusion target chamber
News Brief

Scientists studying laser-plasma proton acceleration made an unexpected breakthrough, simultaneously resolving multiple long-standing problems although they had only aimed to address one. 

Graphic depiction of a laser beam going through a water target
Feature

The microelectronics that power daily life and speed discoveries in science and technology are the focus of a bold new vision to make them...

photo of detector
news collection

Harnessing nuclear fusion would bring the clean, unlimited energy of the stars to Earth.

fusion energy illustration