Research

SLAC research explores the structure and dynamics of matter and the properties of energy, space and time at the smallest and largest scales, in the fastest processes and at the highest energies. These studies address questions of major scientific and technological interest to society.

ACCELERATOR RESEARCH

Accelerators form the backbone of SLAC's experimental programs. Research at SLAC is continually improving accelerators, both here and at other laboratories, and paving the way toward a new generation of particle acceleration technology.

ACCELERATORS AND SOCIETY

SLAC has been developing, running and studying the basic physics of particle accelerators for half a century. Thousands of scientists from all over the world use our cutting-edge accelerator facilities each year.

ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY

SLAC astrophysicists and cosmologists play leading roles in studying the high-energy universe, where cosmology and particle physics meet. Two of the biggest puzzles in this realm are the nature of the dark matter and dark energy that make up 95 percent of the universe.

ELEMENTARY PARTICLE PHYSICS

SLAC scientists study high-energy particle collisions for clues to the fundamental structure of matter and the forces between subatomic particles. Theory, experiment and computer simulation all work together to move the science along.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Where can we find clean drinking water? When can a contaminated site be declared clean? Molecular environmental scientists answer questions like these by zooming in on their smallest components: Chemical reactions taking place at the scale of molecules and atoms.

Machine Learning

Photo of a data readout for an experiment by Petra Fromme in the LCLS/MFX hutch

Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are found across all scientific directorates at SLAC, with applications to a wide range of tasks including online data reduction, system controls, simulation, and analysis of big data. ML-at-SLAC is a hub for ML activities at the lab, providing resources and connections between ML experts and domain scientists.

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MATERIALS, CHEMISTRY AND ENERGY SCIENCES

Materials, chemistry and energy sciences are central to many of today's most critical technical challenges, from finding cleaner energy sources to developing a more sustainable chemical industry. SLAC is tackling these problems through interdisciplinary research programs.

Matter in Extreme Conditions

Under extreme conditions – like those in the hearts of planets or in exploding stars – materials can enter other exotic phases with unique characteristics. The capabilities of SLAC's X-ray and laser facilities as well as a world-class program in experiments, theory and simulations combine to make SLAC an international leader in exploring matter in extreme conditions.

SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SLAC researchers are making many significant contributions to enhancing the impact and scientific value of computing. In general, our scientific computing innovations fall into the areas of "big data" or "scientific simulation."

X-RAY SCIENCE

SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) provide powerful beams of X-ray light for thousands of researchers from universities, industries and laboratories each year.

Research

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Research