For Scientists & Facility Users

As a national user research facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) offers scientists from academia, government labs, and other institutions exciting research possibilities in a wide variety of fields. Infrared, ultraviolet, and x-ray light produced by NSLS allow scientists to examine materials and processes at a scale that is not possible at other types of research labs or facilities.

The successor to NSLS, NSLS-II is scheduled to be operating by 2015 as the world's most advanced synchrotron light source. The new facility will have extremely high brightness and flux; exceptional beam stability; and a suite of advanced instruments, optics, and detectors. Taking advantage of these new capabilities, scientists will be able to image materials with nanoscale resolution and determine chemical activity in fine detail.

At NSLS, guest scientists can choose from a range of research techniques and equipment. As an NSLS (and future NSLS-II) user, you will discover that Brookhaven Lab's synchrotron facilities can provide the tools to perform cutting-edge research that is not possible at your home institution. You will also have the support of a well-trained staff. More »

Industrial Collaborators

The National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) and its future successor, NSLS-II, can help companies large and small solve research and manufacturing problems, generate new technologies and products, and stay competitive.

The Photon Sciences Directorate would like to encourage greater use of its facilities by industrial researchers and facilitate collaborations between industry and NSLS staff, as well as government and academic institutions. More »

For Educators

Teachers and students are welcome to experience science first hand at NSLS and NSLS-II. We work primarily in partnership with Brookhaven Lab's Office of Educational Programs, which coordinates programs aimed at boosting teachers' content knowledge and improving student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These programs help motivate and prepare all students, especially minorities and females, and address the serious under representation of minorities and females in STEM careers. A diverse workforce of scientists, engineers, and educators will help keep America at the forefront of innovation. More »

For Journalists

Exciting science is happening every day at NSLS, while construction moves ahead at NSLS-II. Journalists are invited to use the links below for the latest news and developments at both facilities. Please contact a Brookhaven media rep for more information and to arrange interviews.

What's a synchrotron?

The human eye can see only visible light. It comes in the form of different wavelengths. These wavelengths are what create the colors of the rainbow. Other wavelengths of lights are not visible to the human eye. Although, we cannot see them, these types of light are also used in our everyday life. For example, a TV remote control uses infrared light to adjust the volume or change the channel of the TV. Airport scanners use x-rays to scan luggage. Tanning lamps use ultraviolet light to tan the skin. Microwave ovens use microwaves to cook your food.

A synchrotron is a huge machine that produces very bright light of many different wavelengths. The light is much brighter than that found in your TV remote, microwave oven, or dentist's x-ray machine because the synchrotron beams of light are focused into very small spots. Think of a synchrotron as a giant microscope, allowing us to see matter at the atomic scale. More »