Chi-Chang Kao

Chi-Chang Kao is an American physicist renowned for his leadership in accelerator-based photon science and his transformative directorship of a major national laboratory. His career has been dedicated to advancing the capabilities of synchrotron radiation and X-ray free-electron laser facilities, enabling groundbreaking research across multiple scientific disciplines. Kao is recognized as a pivotal figure in the global photon science community, steering large-scale research infrastructures toward new frontiers.

Early life and education

Born in Taiwan, Chi-Chang Kao pursued his undergraduate education in physics at National Tsing Hua University, a leading institution in the Republic of China. He subsequently moved to the United States for graduate studies, earning his Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral research was conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he engaged with pioneering work in particle physics and accelerator technology, laying a foundation for his future career.

Career and research

Following his Ph.D., Kao joined the scientific staff at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, operated by Stanford University for the United States Department of Energy. He initially contributed to the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a premier facility for X-ray spectroscopy and scattering techniques. His research focused on developing novel methods in synchrotron radiation applications, particularly for studying condensed matter physics and materials science. Kao held several leadership roles within SSRL, eventually becoming its director and overseeing major upgrades to its experimental capabilities.

Leadership at SLAC

In 2012, Chi-Chang Kao was appointed Director of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, succeeding Persis Drell. His tenure was marked by the successful completion and early operations of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the world's first hard X-ray free-electron laser. He championed the LCLS-II upgrade project, a major initiative involving international partners like the European XFEL and RIKEN in Japan. Kao also strengthened the laboratory's programs in photon science, particle astrophysics, and ultrafast science, while fostering collaborations with institutions like the Argonne National Laboratory and the Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Scientific contributions

Kao's scientific contributions are deeply tied to advancing X-ray light sources. He played a key role in enhancing the brightness and stability of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, enabling new experiments in chemistry and biology. His leadership in free-electron laser science was instrumental in establishing the Linac Coherent Light Source as a transformative tool for capturing molecular and atomic processes at femtosecond timescales. This work has impacted diverse fields, from quantum materials research to the study of protein dynamics, supporting investigations by teams like those at the Max Planck Institute.

Awards and honors

For his service and scientific leadership, Chi-Chang Kao has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He has received the SLAC Director's Award and has been recognized by the Department of Energy for outstanding management of national user facilities. His work has been acknowledged by international bodies, including commendations from the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and invitations to speak at major conferences like the International Particle Accelerator Conference.

Category:American physicists Category:SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Category:Stanford University faculty