Ultrafast science

After a major upgrade, SLAC's X-ray free-electron laser is 10,000 times brighter and thousands of times faster. Now, researchers are using LCLS to observe electrons in real time as they move across molecules.

X-rays unveil new molecular structure details that will help researchers design novel drug therapies to address antibiotic resistant bacteria.

His visit highlighted the breadth of our world-class research and the people and collaborations that make it possible. A key theme of the day: how SLAC and the National Labs are advancing AI to accelerate discovery.

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

They used SLAC’s ultrafast X-ray laser to follow the impact of a single electron moving within a molecule during an entire chemical reaction.

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

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

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

Ultrafast electrons at SLAC’s LCLS facility resolved the structural changes in a light-activated molecule to determine which simulations work best. 

Now 10,000 times brighter and thousands of times faster, LCLS sheds light on the formation of free radicals in nature. 

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

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