Synchrotron radiation at the MAX IV laboratory

Electrons that are accelerated to almost the speed of light emit radiation in the form of synchrotron radiation when a strong magnetic field deflects them in their path. Synchrotron radiation is a light that is extremely bright, i.e. photon-dense, and equally intense at all wavelengths. Its short-wave and high energy X-rays are used within research. It dissolves the “glue” between atoms, thereby affecting the electrons. One can study how atoms and chemical compounds exist in materials and how they behave under changing conditions.

Synchrotron radiation is used within physics, chemistry, biology, medicine and materials science to determine the electronic and structural properties of various substances. Research using synchrotron radiation can help to: understand and cure diseases down to the protein level, respond to global energy challenges, track pollutants in nature, study the flaws in and develop new materials, restore art objects and buildings, understand how meteorites and comets have formed, and more.

Text: Pia Romare