Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS)

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is a powerful scientific facility that produces extremely bright, ultrafast X-ray pulses. Using a linear accelerator (linac), electrons are accelerated to near light speeds and directed through a special magnetic device called an undulator. As they wiggle through the undulator, the electrons emit coherent X-ray light that scientists use to explore matter at the atomic and molecular levels. This allows researchers to capture detailed images of biological molecules, materials, and chemical reactions in real time, advancing fields like medicine, physics, and chemistry.