High Energy Density Science

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

News

The team unexpectedly formed gold hydride in an experiment that could pave the way for studying materials under extreme conditions like those found inside...

Intense pulses from an X-ray free-electron laser heat compressed samples of hydrocarbons to extreme conditions, resulting in the reaction of gold and hydrogen to form gold hydride.

News

Researchers taking the first-ever direct measurement of atom temperature in extremely hot materials inadvertently disproved a decades-old theory and upended our understanding of superheating.

$Graphic representation shows a pulse of yellow light hitting a lattice and diffracting into a spectrum of color$

News

As a member of the General Atomics-led TINEX Collaborative, SLAC will help develop advanced target tracking technology allowing high-repetition lasers to hit each fusion...