The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), located in the Laboratory of the National SLAC accelerator at the US Energy Department, has undergone a significant upgrade, making it the most powerful publicly known X-ray laser in the world. The upgrade allows LCLS to produce up to a million pulses per second, with each pulse being 10,000 times brighter than previous models. This effectively makes LCLS 8,000 times more powerful than its predecessor.
The wavelength of the X-rays emitted by LCLS is approximately the size of an atom, enabling scientists to observe the internal structure of objects in motion at the femtosecond level. This capability opens up new possibilities for studying chemical reactions and quantum phenomena in real-time, such as superconductivity.
LCLS-II, the upgraded version, operates using an ultraviolet light pulse that interacts with a photocathode, triggering an electron cascade. The electrons are then accelerated nearly to the speed of light through a series of 37 cryogenic modules equipped with superconducting magnets.
According to Jennifer Granholm, the US Energy Minister, the enhanced capabilities of LCLS-II make it valuable for a wide range of scientific disciplines, from medical research to quantum science of materials.
LCLS-II is equipped with two cryogenic systems for liquid helium production, a pair of X-ray production coils, and high computing power sensors for rapid data processing. It is capable of generating X-rays on “hard” and “soft” wavelengths, allowing for the examination of objects at different levels, from pharmaceutical molecules to quantum materials.
While there are a few similar facilities around the world, most notably in the USA, Europe, and Asia, LCLS-II stands as the most powerful X-ray laser among them.
The upcoming weeks will see the commencement of experiments using the upgraded laser, and scientists are already invited to submit applications for personal use of this innovative technology.