LSU to build $20M X-ray facility for atomic-level research

LSU has received a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to construct a new X-ray facility. The project, named LaNeXT, will enable researchers to observe natural processes at the atomic and molecular level with unprecedented precision.

The facility will integrate ultrafast laser-based X-rays, synchrotron X-rays, and advanced nanofabrication tools. It will be built near LSU’s existing Louisiana Light Source synchrotron and will complement major national facilities such as Argonne, Brookhaven, Lawrence Berkeley, and SLAC.

LaNeXT is designed to address a gap in U.S. research capabilities by allowing scientists to study molecular changes that current synchrotron facilities cannot capture. The project will be developed in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin and collaborators including UC Berkeley.

The technology will support research in semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy chemistry, aerospace, automotive, defense, and advanced materials. Researchers will be able to examine semiconductor materials, carbon dioxide conversion catalysts, rotating machinery components, and advanced steels.

LSU officials stated that LaNeXT could eventually lead to more energy-efficient synchrotrons and reduce operating costs for major U.S. facilities. They estimated potential annual federal electricity savings of up to $20 billion.