Synchrotron light is a particularly intense form of light, with characteristics that can be precisely adapted to the requirements of an experiment. Scientists use synchrotron light to determine the detailed structure or the magnetic properties of various materials. Among the materials investigated with synchrotron light are magnetic materials such as those used in modern magnetic memories or protein molecules that play a crucial roles for many processes in living organisms. At PSI, synchrotron light is produced at the Swiss Light Source (SLS), where it is emitted by electrons travelling at almost the speed of light on a circular path of 288m in circumference. Strong magnets are used to keep them on this path.
_______________________________________ The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland, conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature.
