Stanford Linear Accelerator Center

The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) is a research facility dedicated to studying the fundamental components of matter and energy. It uses a large, linear particle accelerator—about a mile long—to speed up electrons to near the speed of light. When these high-speed electrons collide with targets or other particles, scientists can study the resulting interactions to understand the basic building blocks of the universe. SLAC's research helps advance knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science, and it also develops cutting-edge technology used in medicine and industry.