Changchun Sun is a staff scientist in the Advanced Light Source Accelerator Physics Program in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). Since joining Berkeley Lab in 2010, Sun’s research has focused on accelerator lattice design, beam dynamics studies, and the development of beam diagnostics. He holds a Ph.D. in physics from Duke University, where he conducted research at the Duke Free Electron Laser Laboratory, as well as a master’s degree in nuclear physics from Peking University, and an undergraduate degree in physics from Nanjing University, both in China.
What fueled your interest in particle accelerators and their applications?
Physics has always been my favorite subject. I’ve long been drawn to understanding how things work and solving complex problems. This curiosity led me to pursue studies in physics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. My interest in particle accelerators grew as I realized their powerful role in advancing both fundamental science and real-world applications, spanning materials science, medicine, and industry.
What attracted you to join ATAP’s Advanced Light Source Accelerator Physics Program?
After completing my doctoral research, I was excited about the opportunity to join Berkeley Lab, which is renowned for its cutting-edge light sources, innovative projects, and exceptional talent. The Advanced Light Source Accelerator Physics Program offers a unique opportunity to engage with real-world accelerator challenges.
I enjoy tackling these problems, starting from foundational studies, developing physics models, running detailed simulations, and collaborating with engineers to translate concepts into practical systems. The program’s strong integration with the Lab’s engineering teams and its longstanding leadership in accelerator operation and development make it an ideal environment for learning, innovation, and scientific impact.
How have you found working at the Lab, and what research are you working on?
Working at Berkeley Lab has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The Lab fosters a collaborative environment where different perspectives are welcomed and innovation is encouraged. I’ve been fortunate to work with outstanding teams on multiple projects, and I continue to value the opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues from across the Lab. My current research focuses on beam dynamics and diagnostics for the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) project, where we are developing advanced tools and systems to meet the demanding requirements of the upgraded ALS facility, pushing the boundaries of both physics and engineering to enable the next generation of x-ray science.
For more information on ATAP News articles, contact caw@lbl.gov.
