High Energy Density Science

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Researchers at SLAC's High-Energy Density Science (HEDS) division explore the physical characteristics of warm dense matter, shocks, and intense laser-plasma interactions within the relativistic regime. Employing exceptionally energetic nanosecond lasers, powerful short-pulse lasers, and vivid x-ray sources, they create advanced probing methods based on fundamental principles, complemented by top-notch theoretical and simulation capabilities.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

HEDS Latest News

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Is putting carbon-free laser-driven fusion energy on the grid by the 2030s possible?

SG AG

News

The team developed a platform that uses powerful X-rays from the lab’s LCLS X-ray laser to resolve for the first time the evolution of...

Plasma instability

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Researchers hoped to clarify the boundaries between different types of superionic water – the hot, black ice believed to exist at the core of...

Researchers paired ultrafast X-rays with specialized instruments to study the atomic stacking structures of superionic water – a hot, black and strangely conductive form of ice that is believed to exist in the center of giant ice planets like Neptune and Uranus

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Featured News

Fusion Explainer

Research Projects

Cryogenic Hydrogen Jet Project

Warm Dense Matter

Lasers strike a pair of carbon targets. Plasma streaming from the targets creates a shock wave, mimicking the environment in supernova remnants.

MEC endstation

Energetic Proton Beams

Theory and Simulations

Relevant Reports

Stanford Emerging Technology Review (2023, 2025)

SETR Report 2025 Cover

Basic Research Needs Workshop on Laser Technology (2023)

Laser Technology BRN

Basic Research Needs Workshop on Inertial Fusion Energy (2022)

Brightest Light Initiative Report (2019)

Brightest Light Initiative Report

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