About SSRL

SLAC The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is an Office of Science User Facility operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Stanford University. SSRL provides synchrotron radiation, a name given to x-rays or light produced by electrons circulating in a storage ring at nearly the speed of light. These extremely bright x-rays can be used to investigate various forms of matter ranging from objects of atomic and molecular size to man-made materials with unusual properties.

SSRL provides technical tools for world-leading science at no charge for scientists who conduct non-proprietary research, with the understanding that significant results are to be publicly disseminated; access is also available for proprietary research on a cost-recovery basis. Scientists from academia, industry, government agencies and research institutions worldwide compete for access by submitting proposals for beam time that are peer reviewed on the basis of scientific merit and potential impact. Annually, over a thousand scientists conduct their research at SSRL, revealing scientific insight that may not be obtained through other methods. Benefits of utilizing SSRL include:

Access to large scale facilities not otherwise available in an individual investigator laboratory
Access to specialized, state-of-the-art machines, instrumentation and capabilities
Access to technical expertise from experienced facility scientists, engineers and technical support staff

Scientific discoveries enabled by SSRL advance knowledge of underlying physical processes, chemical reactions, and material properties. Greater understanding of fundamental energetic processes within materials enables downstream technological developments for real-world applications.

SSRL SPEAR History, Videos, Animations

SSRL Advisory Panels

Employment Opportunities

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