First European synchrotron

1992/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Fisika

The first European synchrotron begins to be built in Grenoble. The aim of this synchrotron is to generate strong X-rays for microstructure analysis.

Synchrotron operation consists of the accumulation of charged particles, such as electrons or positrons, in a ring of 850 m circumference length. These particles are driven by giant magnets and accelerated with alternating electric fields. Every charged particle in acceleration emits what is known as synchrotron ray.

In the Grenoble synchrotron the wavelength of the synchrotron beam will be similar to the size of the atom. Therefore, structures can be studied at an angstrom scale. But the energy of lightning is not the only interesting thing. At the same time, great power will be required. The X-ray flow in this synchrotron will take 25 watts per square millimeter, which is 1,000 times higher than that of classic X-rays.

This light will be transported to complex optical systems and from there to the samples being studied.

This project will employ over the next two years 2,500 people, 2,000 of them scientists from different European states.