The Facilities

Synchrotrons are large particle accelerator facilities that accelerate electrons at speeds close to the speed of light. This is done to generate powerful beams of x-ray and infrared light that are a vital for a wide spectrum of research techniques and research disciplines.

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Radiation

Synchrotron radiation is the light produced when a beam of charged particles (eg electrons) accelerated at high speed is subjected to a magnetic field that causes it to change direction.

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Spectrum

Synchrotron light is emitted over the entire spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum (from infra-red to hard X-rays).

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Versatility In Application

The radiation produced by a synchrotron accelerator is a research tool that offers multiple uses and substantial advantages over other sources. 

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Opportunities

A large number of senior Canadian researchers are using synchrotron radiation, and this number is growing rapidly.