SLAC fires up the world’s most powerful X-ray laser: LCLS-II ushers in a new era of science

Credit: Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

The newly upgraded Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory successfully produced its first X-rays. The upgrade, called LCLS-II, creates unparalleled capabilities that will usher in a new era in research with X-rays.

« SLAC fires up the world’s most powerful X-ray laser: LCLS-II ushers in a new era of science

Credit: Greg Stewart/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

The linac is equipped with two world-class helium cryoplants. One of these cryoplants, built specifically for LCLS-II, cools helium gas from room temperature all the way down to its liquid phase at just a few degrees above absolute zero, providing the coolant for the accelerator.

« SLAC fires up the world’s most powerful X-ray laser: LCLS-II ushers in a new era of science

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