How is synchrotron light used at the NSLS to study magnetic media?
Certain properties of magnetic materials that are important to their functioning can best be studied with x-rays. Specifically, by studying how x-rays are scattered from and absorbed by different magnetic materials, scientists are able to look in detail at the separate contributions made by the electron orbit and electron spin to a material’s magnetic moment — data that are important for understanding how a magnetic material functions. In addition to understanding their functions, the very bright x-ray light produced by the synchrotron allows scientists to study very small samples. This is extremely important because technology trends are moving to smaller and smaller magnetic devices.
