What is synchrotron light?

Synchrotron light is the electromagnetic radiation emitted when electrons, moving at velocities close to the speed of light, are forced to change direction under the action of a magnetic field.

The electromagnetic radiation is emitted in a narrow cone in the forward direction, at a tangent to the electron's orbit.

Synchrotron light is unique in its intensity and brilliance and it can be generated across the range of the electromagnetic spectrum: from infrared to x-rays. The electromagnetic spectrum, showing the range of the Australian Synchrotron

Properties of synchrotron light

Synchrotron light has a number of unique properties. These include:
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