Particle Acceleration and Advanced Light Sources
Accelerating particles in a fraction of the space today’s machines require.
NSF OPAL
Next-Generation Laser User Facility
Groundbreaking Science | Workforce Development | Transformational Technology
Breaking the laws of physics
Project Director Jon Zuegel describes how NSF OPAL will allow scientists to test the limits of physics as we know it.
The NSF OPAL facility is designed to serve as a learning environment and hub for diverse scientific networks, offering opportunities for fundamental research, innovation, and societal benefit. Funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation is supporting the design of two 25-petawatt lasers using optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification, as well as associated experimental and diagnostics systems.
Explore the Science
High-Field Physics and Quantum Electrodynamics
Testing what happens when light is intense enough to make matter from empty space.
Laboratory Astrophysics and Planetary Physics
Recreating the conditions inside planets and stars.
Laser-Driven Nuclear Physics
Using lasers to drive nuclear reactions and trace how the elements formed.
Inside the NSF OPAL Target Chamber
Rotate, zoom, and explore the chamber layout, beam paths, and diagnostic ports.
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Smrithan Ravichandran Awarded 2026 APS Carl E. Anderson Dissertation Award
October 20, 2026
Ravichandran's award-winning thesis marks a significant contribution to the field of high-intensity laser science.
NSF OPAL Enters Final Design
September 15, 2026
The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded initial funding to move NSF OPAL into its final design phase. The award builds on nearly $18 million granted in 2023 and supports…
The NSF OPAL – NSF STELLAR Connection
August 28, 2026
NSF OPAL and the NSF STELLAR initiative, both led by URochester, share goals around research, supply chain development, and workforce development.
PIF26 Brings the Strong-Field QED Community to URochester
July 29, 2026
The University of Rochester welcomed the international strong-field physics community to campus for Physics in Intense Fields 2026 (PIF26), the latest edition of a conference series that traces back to…
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This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Award No. PHY-2329970 and Award No. PHY-2627873. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.