SLAC: Fabricating the Linear Accelerator

This gem from 1967 shows the fabrication and construction of SLAC's two-mile-long linear accelerator in exacting detail, from raw copper, through precision machining, to final assembly of a completed section. It is testament to the workmanship and engineering shown here that the same accelerator built in this video is going strong today, 50 years later. These days, the "linac" is used both to drive our X-ray free-electron laser, the LCLS, and as a test-bed for experiments investigating new accelerator technologies (FACET).

[@LinearBob]

This video is a beautiful example of both a serious scientific construction project and industrial film making. Thank you to both the documentary film makers who made this film, and to the folks who preserved this film and then made it available here.

[@theta1237]

Excellent. Thanks for uploading. Favorite Quote: " There are only 239 to go. "

[@JoeSmith-cy9wj]

I have been an aficionado and and fascinated by both electronics and mechanical technology all my life, reading multiple magazines and books on both subjects, as well as others, and science in general. I have never, ever, seen anything like this video. Thank you very much.

[@liamthompson9342]

What an astonishing project.Fascinating film.

[@TribeWars1]

Brilliant film with an astoundingly detailed exposition.

[@MaxKoschuh]

absolutely amazing. Waveguide tube production in 1967.

[@ruttolomeo1987]

I can’t believe I’ve watched the whole thing and even enjoyed it

[@seagconstruction4688]

Wish my father was still around to tell me what it was like, again, to be there. He might have recognized a few people that were in this production and tell me what it took to make it happen.

[@life_of_riley88]

What else do you want to know? The facility is still in operation today. I can probably answer some questions.

[@stephenprzywara8848]

I came to this video after learning about the Rockwell Retro Encabulator. I’m figuring it all out.

[@hortenwings]

wow, love this vid!

[@IAmPaigeAT]

Copper scrappers would love to get in there

[@clayz1]

See also 'The Linear Accelerator, by JacBille' and YOU WILL UNDERSTAND !!!

[@michaelexman5474]

Should have probably use beryllium Bronze Also a bit strange

[@OmegaPsiPhi0]

Truman show like people in my life 👍🏾 they lie about everything

[@darkseed4672]

@@tdoheron Probably a f**king flat earther.