X-ray science

Studies of atomic-level processes that drain battery life and efficiency help improve battery performance. 

At LCLS, crystallized ribosomes travel through a capillary into the interaction region, where they are zapped with a beam of X-rays.

Scientists use a series of magnets to transform an electron bunch into a narrow current spike which then produces a very intense attosecond X-ray flash. 

By detecting minute traces of original pigments in fossils, X-ray imaging at synchrotrons has given scientists the chemical evidence needed to discover the actual colors of ancient life forms. 

The ultrafast, ultrabright X-ray pulses of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) have enabled unprecedented views of a catalyst in action, an important step in the effort to develop cleaner and more efficient energy sources.

SLAC is a world leader in X-ray and ultrafast science. We make our X-ray laser and synchrotron facilities available to researchers from around the world.