Proton Radiography (pRad) at LANSCE

Proton radiography uses a high-energy proton beam to image material properties and behavior during dynamic experiments.

pRad produces quantitative, time-resolved measurements of dynamic systems measurements that cannot be obtained using other radiographic techniques.by combining high-energy proton beams, advanced magnetic optics, and ultrafast imaging systems. These capabilities support scientific discovery, materials research, and national security missions requiring a detailed understanding of material behavior under extreme conditions.

pRad uses 800 MeV protons from the LANSCE accelerator to create time-resolved radiographic “movies” of rapidly changing systems. By recording multiple images within a single experiment, pRad provides quantitative, high-speed measurements of density, material motion, and shock behavior in dynamic loading conditions. .

Because protons penetrate dense objects with minimal attenuation, they provide clear measurements of internal structure even during rapid dynamic events events. Their charge also allows the beam to be guided and focused using magnetic optics, giving proton radiography unique advantages over traditional radiographic techniques.

A key strength of pRad is its ability to produce a rapid series of proton pulses during a single experiment. When combined with multiple high-speed optical imaging systems, these pulses enable the creation of time-resolved radiographic movies containing up to 21 frames. This capability allows researchers to observe shock waves, material deformation, detonation processes, and other fast phenomena in unprecedented detail.

The development of imaging proton radiography is the result of collaboration between national security programs and basic science research at Los Alamos. Today, pRad continues to support the Laboratory’s national security science mission while also enabling advances in fundamental materials science and high-energy-density physics.

The pRad facility has operated as a user facility since 2003 and is now one of three designated DOE user facilities at LANSCE. Each year, a call for proposals invites researchers to design and conduct experiments using the 800-MeV proton beamline. The facility supports both unclassified and classified experiments, depending on program needs.

Dynamic Material Behavior Under Extreme Conditions

Proton radiography provides unique insight into how materials deform when subjected to intense shock loading. In recent experiments, pRad captured the response of wrought and additively manufactured (AM) 304 stainless steel during an approximately 225 kbar high strain-rate drive.

The resulting radiographic movie shows how microstructural differences influence instability growth, strength, and overall deformation behavior. These measurements help researchers understand how advanced manufacturing methods affect performance under extreme conditions.

Below: Wrought 304 SS (Left), AM304 SS (Right)

Multi-Shock Interaction Studies (Hedonist Series)

pRad’s ability to record up to 21 images in a single experiment allows researchers to visualize complex shock interactions with exceptional temporal resolution.

In the multi-shock Hedonist experiments, several detonation waves collide, generating structured shock patterns as the waves converge and interact.  

 These time-resolved images highlight pRad’s capability to capture shock focusing, density evolution, and multi-shock dynamics—phenomena that cannot be observed using any other radiographic technique.

Material Behavior Under High Strain Rates

High strain-rate experiments with pRad reveal how metals fracture, flow, or transition phases under extreme loading conditions. Studies using tin, tantalum, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel show the development of fracture features, evolving shock fronts, and instability structures that inform modern material-strength models.

Below: Copper, Aluminum, Tantalum, Tin

Please follow the proposal process instructions. No previous proposals, even those awarded beam time, will be scheduled for the next Run Cycle. All must reapply for beam time. If your experiment will be ready for the 2027 Run Cycle (approximately September to December 2027), apply to this call. If your experiment will not be ready to shoot in that time frame, please apply instead to the 2028 call for beam time.

Before you arrive

• Submit a proposal
• If your proposal is approved, you will receive an email from the pRad User Office asking you to register.
• Only users listed on the proposal will be able to register. If additional visitors are expected, the PI needs to add them to the proposal so they too can register.
• If you are with an external institution, complete your user agreement - Users are not permitted to use any LANSCE facilities until a user agreement is in place.
• Familiarize yourself with visiting LANSCE.

Coordinate your experiment with the pRad POC

• You will be notified of your experiment schedule at 3-6 weeks prior to your start date.
• It is important that you contact the technical pRad POC as soon as you receive your experiment start date.
• If you intend to bring ancillary equipment or diagnostics, please coordinate this with your POC at least 6 weeks ahead of your scheduled beam time.
• Complete your online training as directed by the User Office and your pRad POC.
  Training required for Unescorted Access to pRad will be assigned to you through UTrain and must be completed prior to your arrival at pRad. If you are a non-LANL worker you should schedule an extra day at LANL to take care of training and other on-boarding needs.
• If your experiment is classified (or has not yet been determined to be unclassified) please let your technical POC know. Extra steps are required to obtain access to pRad when it is in classified mode.

When you arrive

First stop: Badge Office (if you don't have a LANL or DOE badge)

• The Badge Office is located on the second floor of the Otowi Building (TA-3, Bldg. 261). You would need to request a badging appointment to receive your badge. The User Office will coordinate the appointment.

Second stop: Gate access to LANSCE

• All users scheduled through the User Office will be allowed through the TA-53 guard gate on the date they are expected. All users must have a LANL badge or a valid LANL US visitor badge or an uncleared foreign national badge to get through the TA-53 guard gate. Notify the pRad User Office if your arrival date changes.
• Initial access to LANSCE is available only during normal business hours, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday unless special arrangements have been made in advance with the pRad User Office.

Third stop: Check-in at the User Office (if you need dosimetry and training)

• At Building 1, Room D108, check in with the P-1 Group Office and let them know you have arrived for your experiment(s) scheduled at pRad.
• At the LANSCE User Office or P-1 Group Office (TA-53, Bldg. 1) all required dosimetry will be issued to you. The check-in process takes about 10 minutes, not including training.
• The User Office will also help you with any requests or questions you may have during your visit.

Before you depart

• We hope that your research at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center was productive and successful. 
• At the end of your experiment, return your badge and dosimetry using the drop box at the LANSCE TA-53 guard gate. DO NOT take your badges home!