Linac Coherent Light Source

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is a groundbreaking x-ray laser facility located at Stanford University. It generates extremely bright and coherent x-ray beams by accelerating electrons to nearly the speed of light in a linear accelerator, then directing them through a special structure that produces x-rays. These powerful beams allow scientists to study materials at the atomic level, capturing rapid processes like chemical reactions or biological functions in real time. The insights gained from LCLS contribute to advancements in various fields, including materials science, biology, and physics.