XFELs in the study of biological structure

The femtosecond pulses and astonishing peak brilliance of X-ray free-electron lasers are enabling whole new classes of experiments for imaging biology

XFELs in the study of biological structure

SLAC’s LCLS is opening up a new world in biological studies (Image: SLAC)

The femtosecond pulses and astonishing peak brilliance of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) are enabling whole new classes of imaging experiments for biological structures. In particular, the unique characteristics of the beam at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS)at SLAC – for example, the short femtosecond pulse lengths and the large numbers of photons per pulse – have created whole new fields, especially in the study of biological materials.

Read more: "XFELs in the study of biological structure" – CERN Courier