The team cooled the particle accelerator to a temperature of -271°C, under which conditions it becomes
“In just a few hours, the LCLS-II will producemore X-ray pulses than a previous version of the same laser produced over its lifetime,” said Mike Dunn, director of LCLS. “Data that used to take months to collect can now be obtained in minutes. This will take science to the next level, pave the way for an entirely new spectrum of research, and expand our ability to develop breakthrough technologies to solve the biggest problems facing our society.”
With the help of new opportunities, scientists will be able tostudy the details of complex materials with unprecedented resolution to create new forms of computing and communications; identify rare chemical phenomena to create more sustainable materials for industry and clean energy; study how biological molecules perform vital functions to develop new types of pharmaceuticals; explore the world of quantum mechanics by measuring the movements of individual atoms.
LCLS, the world's first X-ray laserfree electron beam (XFEL), began operating in April 2009, generating X-ray pulses a billion times brighter than comparable devices. It accelerates electrons at room temperature, which limits its speed to 120 pulses per second.
The new version of the accelerator works at a recordlow temperature, which speeds up its work several thousand times. To achieve this temperature, the device is equipped with two helium cryogenic units. The SLAC Cryogenics team has been working on them for three years.
“Cooling was a critical process andit had to be carried out very carefully so as not to damage the cryomodules,” said Andrew Burrill, head of the SLAC Accelerator Directorate. “We are pleased that we have reached this milestone and can now focus on the operation of the X-ray laser.”
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