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SLAC is the world’s leading center for developing “ultrafast” X-ray, laser and electron beams that allow us to see atoms and molecules moving in just millionths of a billionth of a second. We can even create stop-action movies of these tiny events.

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This illustration shows how the first experiment at SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source X-ray laser stripped away electrons from neon atoms. (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)
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The SLAC scientists will each receive $2.5 million for their research on fusion energy and advanced radiofrequency technology.

Gleason-Gamzina-ECA2019
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The technique can be used to study molecular phenomena and the forming and breaking of chemical bonds.

vibrating molecules
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Combined with the lab’s LCLS X-ray laser, it’ll provide unprecedented atomic views of some of nature’s speediest processes.

Alex Reid, ultrafast electron diffraction (UED)
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Experiments at SLAC’s X-ray laser reveal in atomic detail how two distinct liquid phases in these materials enable fast switching between glassy and crystalline...

Diagram of material switching between glassy and crystalline states
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A new method could be used to look at chemical reactions that other techniques can’t catch, for instance in catalysis, photovoltaics, peptide and combustion...

molecule
News Release

First direct look at how atoms move when a ring-shaped molecule breaks apart could boost our understanding of fundamental processes of life.

Molecular Movie in HD Art
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In the decade since LCLS produced its first light, it has pushed boundaries in countless areas of discovery.

Undulator Hall
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He helped lay the groundwork for SLAC’s LCLS X-ray laser and for the institute, which was founded to explore the science LCLS would enable.

David Reis headshot
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X-ray laser snapshots give scientists a new tool for probing trillionths-of-a-second atomic motions in 2-D materials

Experimental station at SLAC's LCLS X-ray laser where the study was done
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SLAC Director Chi-Chang Kao spoke to the Stanford University Faculty Senate at its Feb. 21 meeting.

Chi-Chang Kao at Stanford Faculty Senate meeting
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A better understanding of these systems will aid in developing next-generation energy technologies.

synchronized molecules
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Watching electrons sprint between atomically thin layers of material will shed light on the fundamental workings of semiconductors, solar cells and other key technologies.

Illustration of electrons giving off electromagnetic waves as they travel between two materials