Linac Coherent Light Source User Resources
Office of Science/U.S. D.O.E.
LCLS Page Image

LCLS Proposals

Overview | Proposal Process | Safety Review | Peer Review | Rating Appeals



Overview

New proposals are solicited twice per year. Each proposal round is treated independently which requires users to submit a new proposal for each scheduling cycle.

Proposals submitted to LCLS are peer reviewed by the LCLS Proposal Review Panel. The highest rated proposals are most likely to be offered beam time approximately one year after being submitted.


The next LCLS deadline to submit proposals for the AMO, SXR, XPP and CXI is April 1, 2010 (proposals must be received by 4:00 p.m. local time) to be considered for beam time during the Spring 2011 cycle)



Proposal Process

LCLS experiments start with submitting a proposal. Each proposal is for one specific experiment and each proposal is valid for one scheduling cycle only. There is no limit to the number of proposals that can be submitted by a scientist or experiment team.

An LCLS proposal consists primarily of two PDF files:

  1. Title/Abstract/Authors/Reviewers File (limit to 2 pages): This file must include the proposal title, the proposal abstract, the names, affiliations and email address of all participants, and the names of at least three potential reviewers. The abstract should provide a concise summary of the proposed experiment providing a clear picture of the quantities to be measured, the samples to be studied, and the expected scientific results. Proposers need to provide the name and email address of at least three scientists who are particularly familiar with the proposed science and who may be called upon to help review the proposal. They might also name reviewers who might have a conflict of interest.
  2. Full Proposal File (limit to 6 pages plus supporting files): This file must contain the complete proposal information, including the following sections:
    1. Proposal Title and Proposal Abstract (limit to 1 page): A descriptive title and a concise summary of the proposal, providing a clear picture of the quantities to be measured, the samples to be studied, and the expected scientific results (identical to section 1).
    2. Table Listing Authors/Experimental Team (limit to 1 page): In a table, summarize who would participate in each aspect of the proposed experiment and the role of each person. The table columns should include name of each person (last name, first name), their institution, their email address, their position (student, postdoc, staff, professor), their expected role in the experiment (sample prep, theory, data collection, data analysis), and whether they will be coming to SLAC for the experiment. This section of the proposal should also briefly mention directly-relevant previous work done by the team or its members, including previous experiments at LCLS, which can be presented in detail in supporting files (see below).
    3. Scientific Case (limit to 2 pages): This section explains why this experiment is interesting and worth doing. In particular, why is LCLS required for this experiment? Please concentrate on the specific experiment and avoid broad discussions in general terms.
    4. Experimental Procedure (limit to 2 pages): Enough specific information should be supplied such that the technical feasibility of this experiment at the requested LCLS instrument can be evaluated. Have simulations of the experiment been performed? What are the anticipated data rates? Provide a beam time plan. If additional equipment will be brought to LCLS for the experiment, it should be described in some detail. It is strongly recommended that the LCLS instrument scientist be contacted before proposal submission, to identify possible problems in integrating external equipment with the LCLS facility and to determine possible solutions.
  3. Additional Supporting Files: Though not always required, additional files (in PDF format) may be uploaded along with the proposal, if necessary. This additional material may include reports from relevant previous studies, such as reports from previous LCLS experiments. It could also include technical drawings or descriptions of instrumenta-tion to be brought to LCLS.

Submit Proposals




Safety Review

A series of safety related questions are incorporated into the proposal and experiment safety process. Please answer these questions and provide additional information as appropriate. When appropriate, the LCLS Safety Office will contact you and coordinate specific training and controls to mitigate potential safety issues associated with your proposed experiment.



Peer Review

Peer review is an essential element in ensuring that experimental facilities are utilized for the highest quality science and that the allocation of this scarce resource is fair and transparent.

Once a complete proposal is received, it is assigned to the LCLS Proposal Review Panel (PRP) which consists of scientists with expertise in various research fields, plus other external advisors. The ranking is based on peer review and the independent judgment of the PRP, taking into account the proposed experiment and the entire body of work being performed by the scientific team. See links to policies and guidelines below.