Menlo Park, Calif.
Stanford University opened the $420 million Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) in August of 2010. Located underground in Menlo Park, Calif., the facility houses the world’s most powerful X-ray laser. The instrument will support research on fundamental chemistry, physics, materials science, and energy. Construction began on the project in October of 2006. The facility, which was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, will accommodate 350 scientists. Project funding of $53.6 million was provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.