Synchrotron Explained
What is a Synchrotron?
And how does it all work? What energy does it use? What research does it do? Is it safe? What are endstations? How is research conducted?
Simply put, a synchrotron is a source of brilliant X-ray and infrared light that scientists can use to gather information about the structural and chemical properties of materials at the molecular level. A synchrotron produces light, also called energy, by using radio frequency waves and powerful electro-magnets to accelerate electrons to nearly the speed of light. This light is used to study a host of physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes.
To answer the questions above and any more you may have, we have broken down the components of CLS and are sharing links to where you can find information! There are additional resources, lessons, and activities below. You can also have a copy of the graphic below by downloading the poster.
Resources
CLS Machine Status Display - How can you tell what is happening with the beam at CLS? Why was their a storage trip? When is the next injection time? Take a look at our Machine Status Display Guide to learn how the Machine Division at CLS communicates to staff and users about the light!
CLS Tour Posters - Looking for a visual on how CLS works? Want to see some of the research done at CLS? Curious how the electromagnetic spectrum is used? Take a look at our tour posters, which hang on the mezzanine inside the CLS! For best viewing, try downloading the poster (in pdf format).
CLS Virtual Tour - Want to see inside the CLS? Check out how long the linear accelerator is? See what kind of magnets we use in the booster and storage rings? Explore one of our beamlines? Take a look at our Virtual Tour and see the brightest light in Canada!
A Cyclotron Is...Cartoons - Check out these fun depictions of the various roles involved in running a cyclotron, which is a similar machine to a synchrotron. These are a fun addition to any synchrotron-related resource!
How Does it All Work Presentation - This presentation provides not only a summary of the IDEAS beamline, but provides explanation of each of the components you see in the graphic above. It covers how the synchrotron works, what happens at the IDEAS beamline when data is collected, and how the X-ray Fluorescence and X-ray Near Edge Absorbance Spectra techniques work. There is also an advanced version which covers these components in more detail.
Particle Accelerators Are Not Just for Physicists - A different perspective on what happens at the Canadian Light Source, how a synchrotron works, the type of research done at our facility, and how shapes convey messages. Take a look at this comic strip and come to see the synchrotron in a new light!
Video Explanations
How a Synchrotron Works Animation - How do we produce light to conduct research? Where do the electrons come from? This animation from the University of Saskatchewan narrates and shows how the synchrotron works.
Introduction to the Canadian Light Source - In this STEM Seminar, we hear from Dr. Robert Blyth, the Sciences Projects Manager at the CLS, who is responsible for upgrades and additions to the experimental facilities, as well as manages and supports our education programs. In this talk, Rob provides an overview of what the synchrotron is, an in-depth tour of inside the building, and how light is used to conduct research at the CLS.
See How the Canadian Light Source Works (by CBC) - Stemming from an article by CBC on describing some of the most interesting research conducted at CLS and how CLS can benefit from a planned upgrade, there is a great animation on how the CLS works and examples of research we do.
SOLEIL Synchrotron Explanations - Check out France's Synchrotron, SOLEIL, and the videos they have made explaining how synchrotrons work! There are lots of other videos to check out and that can be used in your classroom.
The Synchrotron Explained...By a Nine-Year Old - Alistair George, nine-year-old son of synchrotron scientists Ingrid Pickering and Graham George, explains how a synchrotron works.
Lessons & Activities
Accelerating Matter - This activity uses magnetic force to accelerate a ball bearing. While it is not precisely the method that CLS uses to accelerate the electrons to produce synchrotron light, parallels can be drawn to help demonstrate similar concepts.
Build a Monochromator - A monochromator is the device that enables scientists to select specific wavelengths of light for their experiments. Using a prism, students will explore the properties of light and the spectrum within a practical context.
Electrons and the Synchrotron - A look at the patterns in electron configuration and how it relates to chemical and physical properties.
Synchrotron Applications - A lesson plan for Grade 12 Physics but adaptable to middle years. Take a look at understanding that synchrotron technology that both shapes society and is shaped by society. Lesson reviews how it works and encourages students to look at the different beamlines at CLS.