Revolutionizing X-Ray Science: California's Upgraded Linear Accelerator Sets New Standards

Engineers at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California have achieved "first light" with the Linac Coherent Light Source-II (LCLS-II), the world's most powerful X-ray laser. The upgraded linear accelerator will generate one million X-ray pulses per second, 10,000 times brighter than its predecessor, allowing scientists to study the smallest and fastest phenomena in the universe. The LCLS-II will provide valuable insights into various disciplines, from human health to quantum materials science, and keep the United States at the forefront of X-ray science. The first users of the upgraded accelerator are expected to arrive in November, marking a significant milestone in advancing scientific research.