1. Apply for Beamtime
First-time user? Learn about XFELs and how LCLS can help enable your science before applying for beamtime.
Determine your proposal type
Read our latest Proposal Call to see proposal types available for the run cycle and also to learn about:
- latest instrument standard configurations
- latest proposal guidance
- the upcoming Virtual Town Hall, our information session
Proposal Call Schedule
Download the latest template &
write your proposal
After you determine your proposal type, download and fill out the corresponding template.
Tip
Before writing your proposal, contact our instrument leads and department heads to discuss if your experiment idea is technically feasible.
Download the latest template
Data Collection & Screening
- Biology
- Materials Science
- Solution Phase Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Gas Phase Photochemistry
- Matter in Extreme Conditions
For Rapid Access proposals, use the LCLS General User template.
Resources for writing your proposal
Read our Proposal Preparation Guidelines
Submit your proposal
Submit your proposal in the Universal Proposal System (UPS).
You'll need to log into the UPS with your ORCID ID. If you don't have an ORCID ID, register for one on your first log in.
The UPS is a unified platform to submit, manage, and review user proposals. We no longer accept proposal submissions in the User Portal.
How-to Guides
Submit a proposal (LCLS)
Submit a proposal (MeV-UED)
If you need to update a submitted proposal
After you submit
We’ll start reviewing proposals once the submission deadline has passed. During this process, you may receive a questionnaire to provide additional technical information about your experiment.
Learn more about our proposal review process.
We’ll notify you by email if your proposal has been awarded beamtime.
Next stage
