What is Synchrotron Light?
Synchrotron Light is produced at the Synchrotron Radiation Source when an electron beam travelling close to the speed of light is accelerated in a magnetic field. The light covers a broad area of the electro magnetic spectrum, from infra red to hard X-rays. Synchrotron X-rays are much more intense than those from a conventional laboratory source, enabling researchers to carry out experiments in a very short time – vital on samples which are rapidly changing, such as in vigorous chemical reactions. Very dilute samples can also be studied easily. The light from the SRS has other important properties, making it different from ordinary light ; it comes in regular pulses, allowing data to be collected, like a video, on samples which vary with time. The light is also very highly polarised, linearly in the centre of the beam, and circularly above and below centre. How is Synchrotron Light Produced? When a charged particle travelling close to the speed of light is accelerated, it produces a br
