Chi-Chang Kao

Chi-Chang Kao is a Professor of Photon Science and Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford University. He served as the Director of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 2012 to 2023. Prior to that, he spent nearly 25 years at Brookhaven National Laboratory, including five years as Chairperson of the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). His research focuses on X-ray scattering techniques and their applications to materials science, particularly in high-temperature superconductors and energy materials. He has pioneered the use of X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) and high magnetic field studies to explore electronic and structural properties of quantum materials.

Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University (1988).

Research interests include resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), charge-density-wave phenomena, and the interplay between superconductivity and electronic order. His work bridges fundamental physics and applied energy science, with a focus on advancing experimental methods using synchrotron and XFEL facilities.

Recent articles highlight advancements in X-ray scattering techniques, such as observing pair-density waves in cuprates and studying ultrafast electronic dynamics under extreme conditions. His awards include Fellowships from the American Physical Society (2006) and AAAS (2010), recognizing his contributions to materials physics and leadership in synchrotron science.

Advising and grants: While specific student names are not listed, his leadership roles at SLAC and NSLS indicate extensive mentorship in large-scale collaborative projects. Key grants likely support XFEL development and quantum materials research.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Photon Science division at SLAC, collaborates with the Precourt Institute, and leads international initiatives in XFEL science and synchrotron-based research.