Use Our Facility

Louisiana Light Source is a uniquely powerful tool that uses synchrotron X-rays to discover how any material works by revealing what it looks like atomically and enabling the fabrication of precision microstructures for advanced applications.

Our core facility illuminates the relationship between structure and function of any biological or chemical material, leading to better design and improved performance.

We offer exceptional access and opportunities to experiment and test out new techniques. Compared to synchrotron facilities at national laboratories and lab-based sources, we offer more—

Range

At Louisiana Light Source, nearly all of the elements of the periodic table can be investigated. Users can try out any or all different techniques (XAS, NEXAFS, Tomography, IR, etc.) without having to decide or guess in advance what will be the most helpful, including the requirement by national laboratories to specify selected techniques in a written, competitive proposal to gain (free, to be fair) beam time. Here at Louisiana Light Source, we work with you on capturing not just data, but on identifying the most effective methods to capture the data you need.

Speed and Strength

Our intense X-ray/VUV beam is at least one order of magnitude stronger than any lab source.

Easy Access

You don’t have to write a proposal to use our facility, and then another proposal when you realize you need more data. We charge for beam time, but you (generally) save on time and travel in using our facility.

Support and Learning

Ours is one of only two university-owned and operated synchrotron facilities in the nation. As such, we love working with students—teaching and student success are part of our core mission. At Louisiana Light Source, students can learn and practice setting up experiments and equipment while working directly with our experts on both synchrotron techniques and data analysis. This level of support is not limited to students—all users can work one-one-one with staff members. Just ask.