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SACLA

Aerial photo of SACLA The Japanese X-FEL SACLA.
In 2012, with the opening of SACLA, RIKEN became the second institution in the world to offer X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) for research.

Located at the SPring-8 Center in Harima, SACLA generates an X-ray laser beam boasting the shortest wavelength in the world (0.06 nm), an extremely broad wavelength range and extremely fast pulses. This unique X-ray laser will enable researchers to peer deeper inside matter and investigate unexplored areas of research.

The spatial resolution of observations using light is directly related to the wavelength of light used. One of the biggest advantages of using X-ray light of shorter wavelength is the significant resolution enhancement is provides. Using SACLA, researchers will be able to study the arrangement of atoms, the composition of molecules and viruses and the dynamics of chemical reactions.

Image of the SCLA team The team during the opening of SACLA in 2012.
Thanks to unique Japanese technology, SACLA achieves this performance despite having an overall length of only 700 meters, which is much smaller 2-4 km taken up by other XFEL facilities around the world.

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