The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) is a user-oriented National Facility that provides state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation (SR) facilities to the Cornell and broader scientific community. SR, a key research tool, enables major discoveries across diverse fields. Researchers who use CHESS study the atomic and molecular structure and time-resolved behavior of materials in biology, chemistry, polymer science, environmental science, physics, art, archaeology, and electronic and structural engineering. Each year, 400–500 scientists and scientists-in-training from academia, industry, and government visit CHESS to collect data for research.

CHESS, constructed as a synchrotron x-ray facility to the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) High Energy Physics program, operates with six beamlines—A, B, C, D, F, and G—providing 11 experimental stations. CHESS also has a biohazard level BL3 facility. Other features include a modern darkroom, a cold room for crystal mounting, experimental laboratories for user setup, a central computer facility, and a machine shop. A user lounge is also available to help make a long 24-hour day more comfortable.