Synchrotron light source

A synchrotron is, usually, a toroidial electron accelerator, which boosts the velocity of electrons to near the speed of light.

Operation

When accelerated an electron radiates electromagnetic energy. In a synchrotron this energy is used for a number of experimental purposes.

A synchrotron produces a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, and they are quite often constructed so that the predominant emission consists of x-rays.

Uses

Synchrotron light is an ideal tool for many types of research and also has industrial applications. Some practical uses include:

• Lithography for computer chips.
• Protein crystallography.

Some of the advantages of synchrotron light that allow for these practical uses are:

• Short wavelength photons which can penetrate matter and interact with atoms.
• High concentration, tunability and polarization thus ensuring focusing accuracy for even the smallest of targets.