The focus of the laboratory is the dynamics of materials on meV energy scales (THz frequencies) and atomic length scales, as measured using non -resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. The largest project of the lab is the design and construction of a new and uniquely powerful beamline for inelastic x-ray scattering. It should provide unprecedented capability to measure both atomic dynamics and electronic excitations with high resolution. Other projects include investigation of phonons in correlated-electron materials, especially superconductors, liquid dynamics, elastic constants of materials under pressure, and development of instrumentation for new measurements, especially x-ray optics.