ASU’s new compact X-ray device tests scientific boundaries

The compact X-ray free electron laser (CXFEL) will see things that cannot be seen with conventional X-rays. Its elaborate process will enable scientists to peer into atomic and molecular-scale structures with unmatched clarity.

Since their discovery 125 years ago, X-rays have helped heal broken bones, aided airport security efforts, and kept critical infrastructure safe. Now, Arizona State University scientists have completed a series of experiments to solve their very first protein structure on a one-of-a-kind X-ray instrument: the compact X-ray light source (CXLS).

The CXLS could lead to the discovery of better drugs with fewer side effects, improve medical imaging technologies, aid semiconductor manufacturing to build ever more powerful chips or quantum materials, and lead to more eco-friendly bioenergy applications.

Arvinder Sandhu, the CXFEL Lab Director, joined “Arizona Horizon” to provide more information on the development of this experimental compact X-ray device.