Aug 24 2010
Researchers at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory of the US Department of Energy expect that the X-ray laser can help in developing better drugs, enhanced energy sources, and novel applications in the field of material engineering and environmental sciences.
Rendering of the LCLS undulator hall
Steven Chu, the Secretary of US Energy, has dedicated the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) laser that can generate X-ray pulse with over billion times more brightness compared to the existing powerful sources. The X-ray pulses allow scientists to capture stop-motion images of the molecules and atoms in motion, as the pulses act similar to flashes. The LCLS undulator hall is equipped with 33 LCLS undulator magnets, which will create powerful X-ray laser light from electrons pulse that travel close to the speed of light.
The Department of Energy has funded the $420 million LCLS project, while SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory managed the construction. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offered $53.6 million to develop a new device, and to accelerate the scientific instruments construction for the LCLS.
Scientists intend to study more about the behavior of matter in the ultra fast time intervals, and at the nanoscale level, expecting to controlling matter to great levels. This development could open up new innovations such as new materials featuring remarkable capabilities for use in medicine, information technology, transportation, energy, and other areas.