LCLS Call for DREAM Laser-Only Proposals

LCLS Call for DREAM Laser-Only Proposals for period: September 2026 – March 2027 (Run 27)

Submission Deadline: 15 June 2026 (4:00 PM Pacific Time)

The DREAM (Dynamic Reaction Microscope) endstation at the TMO instrument is opening a call for laser-only experimental proposals. DREAM is a high-resolution reaction microscope capable of detecting electrons and ions in coincidence, enabling detailed momentum-resolved studies of atomic and molecular dynamics.

This call targets experiments that use ultrafast optical laser excitation without FEL radiation to study time resolved molecular dynamics, taking advantage of DREAM’s detection capabilities for full momentum reconstruction of charged particles. Such experiments are well suited for studies of:

• Strong-field ionization and multiphoton processes
• UV driven charge migration and ultrafast molecular fragmentation dynamics
• Development and benchmarking of coincidence detection techniques

Proposals should clearly describe the scientific motivation, experimental requirements, and expected observables accessible with the DREAM coincidence spectrometer through Coulomb explosion imaging and electron/ion coincidence.

For DREAM laser-only proposals, evaluation will focus on scientific impact and technical feasibility. Demonstrated need for XFEL operation and prior XFEL results will not be considered review criteria. Compatibility with the available laser configurations and operational parameters listed below will be evaluated during the technical review.

Selected proposals will be scheduled based on scientific merit, technical feasibility, and the availability of the DREAM instrument and the TMO hutch. Researchers interested in performing laser-only experiments are invited to submit a short proposal including:

• Scientific objectives
• Experimental concept and laser requirements
• Expected beamtime required in the data collection mode (can be up to 60 hrs).

The accepted proposals will be fielded during the LCLS schedule of Run 27 (October 2026 - February 2027). User support will be provided by beamline staff at a reduced level relative to standard X-ray operations at TMO. User groups will be expected to provide hands-on experimental support throughout the experiment.

Laser Parameters

Available pump/probe configurations: 257/1030 nm, 343/1030 nm, and 1030/1030 nm

Facility Contacts

If you have questions please contact:

• General proposal questions: Razib Obaid (robaid@slac.stanford.edu)
• Laser Parameters: Mat Britton (matb@slac.stanford.edu).

Submitting LCLS Proposals

Access to LCLS is open to the international community, with selection based on scientific merit. There is no charge to conduct experiments at LCLS, and the facility is able to help with the costs of performing experiments (e.g. consumables). However, users are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Submissions can be made through the Universal Proposal System (UPS) utilizing the proposal outline documented below.

Submission Deadline: 15 June 2026 (4:00 PM Pacific Time)

Register as a user and submit LCLS proposals through the Universal Proposal System (UPS)

https://ups.servicenowservices.com/ups

The Universal Proposal System (UPS) is a collaboration between the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory, the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Registration in UPS is required for all members of the proposal team (Principal Investigator(s) and Co-Proposers).

Universal Proposal System Information

Proposal Outline

The proposal submission must include the following sections: 

Section 1 - Proposal Details

Proposal Title, Abstract, Proposal Team, etc.

• Please list all collaborators, particularly those who can be on-site for user training.

Section 2 - Funding Sources

• Include grant numbers where applicable

Section 3 - Experiment Time Request

• Requested data collection time: typically one to five 12-hour shifts (max 60 hours)

Section 4 - Additional Details

• Answer questions relating to Safety & Export Control, and provide details of your proposed science and experimental plans:
  • Scientific Background
    Description of the scientific motivation and goals of the proposed experiment
    (max. 2500 characters)
    • Points to include:
      • Scientific motivation and hypotheses
      • Key questions that the experiment will answer
      • Need for time-resolved coincident ion/ion or ion/electron spectroscopy
  • Experimental Concept and Laser Requirements
    Description of the experimental approach and how the experiment will be implemented in DREAM
    (max. 3000 characters)
    • Points to include:
      • Target species
      • Required laser configuration. Justification of the configuration.
      • Expected signals and observables
      • Brief description of how these observables will address the scientific objectives.
  • Beamtime Request
    Estimate of the required data acquisition time.
    (max. 2000 characters)
    • Points to include:
      • Requested pump/probe configuration
      • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for samples being used
      • Requested data collection time (between one and five 12-hour shifts)
      • Justification of the requested time (expected count rate, statistics required)
      • List of collaborators, particularly those who can be on-site for user training.
• Review and Submit
  • Note that proposals cannot be edited after submission.