SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

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The official account of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy National Lab operated by Stanford University.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is one of 10 Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science laboratories and is operated by Stanford University on behalf of the DOE. Since its opening in 1962, SLAC has been helping create the future. We built the world’s longest particle accelerator, discovered some of the fundamental building blocks of matter and created the first website in North America. Our

Photos from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's post 06/01/2026

Science is in fashion 👜 👓 👠

The month of May included some amazing discoveries right off the runway! From designer proteins to hot batteries, get the drop on everything in mode at the lab with our May newsletter: https://bit.ly/43sfovr

05/29/2026

First beam 💫

in 2019, LCLS’s electron gun fired its first electrons - the first of millions…per second!
Our X-ray laser is currently the most powerful in the world, but we aren’t done yet. Learn about the high-energy upgrade happening now: https://stanford.io/4s42gXa

05/28/2026

Building the AI-powered laboratory 🦾

Learn how our scientists are using AI at the lab to accelerate scientific discovery. Tune in to the next June 4 at 7 p.m. PT to hear from Sean Gasiorowski, formerly of University of Washington and CERN, now with our Machine Learning group: https://stanford.io/4ubi2kJ

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day we pause to honor and remember all who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms, allowing us the liberty to pursue the science, discovery, and innovation of tomorrow. 🌹🇺🇸

05/22/2026

Lithium-ion or Lithium-iron? 🔋

Could a breakthrough lithium-iron design that doubles the energy output per iron atom be the future of battery technology? And what’s next?

Research at the SLAC-Stanford University Battery Center aims to find out.

Full video: https://youtu.be/eb89XibnSzE

05/21/2026

We've got some pipes.

Our Linac Coherent Light Source X-ray laser delivers the most powerful X-ray beam ever made in a lab. This pipe positions and protects the electron beam vacuum chamber within a 50-foot long ‘muon shield’ constructed of 5- and 10-ton steel blocks.

The muon shield absorbs and deflects unwanted, highly-penetrating muons – an unstable, fundamental subatomic particle that is essentially a heavier version of the electron – generated by the electron beam. This prevents radiation and background noise from reaching people and the delicate X-ray instruments.

05/20/2026

What sets the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory Updates apart?

Rubin will be mapping the southern sky for 10 years to create a comprehensive cosmic index, guiding astronomers where to look next. Scientists will be able to study the universe at scales previously unimaginable, revealing new insights into galaxy structures, dark matter, and potentially even dark energy.

Photos from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's post 05/19/2026

Quantum technologies phase I: complete ☑️

On to phase II! Our focus shifts from building quantum detectors and devices to using these tools in real experiments to explore fundamental ideas about the universe.

Learn more: https://stanford.io/4nACGZ0

05/18/2026

Heard BTS (방탄소년단) is at Stanford University. What's your bias?

RM 💫 Physics of the Universe
RM’s philosophical insights and leadership align well with the study of the fundamental particles and forces that make up the cosmos, exploring deep existential questions about the nature of reality.

Jin 🧬 Science of Life
Jin’s confidence and caring nature resonate with the research focused on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of life. This bucket emphasizes a commitment to bettering human life through scientific research.

Suga 📱 New Technologies
Suga’s introspective nature and honesty align with the innovative spirit of developing new tools and technologies that can change the world and how we understand complex systems.

J-Hope ⚡ X-ray & Ultrafast Science
J-Hope’s energetic personality fits perfectly with revealing nature’s fastest processes. The excitement of exploring rapid interactions with X-rays and lasers parallels his vibrant energy.

Jimin 💡 Energy Sciences
Jimin’s affectionate and compassionate qualities connect with the pursuit of energy solutions, reflecting a desire to care for society's needs and future generations.

V 💥 Advanced Accelerators
V’s artistic and free-spirited nature aligns with the creative and innovative aspects of building advanced accelerators, where fresh ideas and unconventional approaches can lead to breakthroughs in science.

Jungkook 🤖 DOE Genesis Mission

The DOE Genesis Mission is a U.S. federal initiative launched to revolutionize and accelerate scientific research by integrating artificial intelligence with federal supercomputing, quantum systems, and unique datasets. Jungkook’s versatile and competitive nature aligns perfectly with this mission’s ambitious goals, reflecting a spirit of innovation and adaptability in tackling complex scientific challenges that intersects with all.

Photos from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's post 05/16/2026

In a new light 🔆

We are the only U.S. National Lab that is home to not one, but two world-leading X-ray light sources!

Our Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) allow researchers to study matter at the atomic and molecular levels and advance energy solutions.

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2575 Sand Hill Rd
Menlo Park, CA
94025