From The Lab: France's SOLEIL synchrotron shines light on secrets of matter

Located on the outskirts of Paris, the SOLEIL synchrotron is a unique particle accelerator in which electrons are spun close to the speed of light. Whizzing round a 354-metre ring, these electrons give off energy in the form of intense beams of light that researchers use to conduct experiments. 

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The SOLEIL synchrotron particle accelerator is located in Saint-Aubin, on the outskirts of Paris. © RFI

According to John Bozek, a researcher at SOLEIL, when the electrons change direction while moving in the ring, they emit electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths.

This radiation, which can range from infrared to X-rays, is directed using so-called beamlines – pathways that channel the particles towards workstations where experiments are carried out. 

Speaking about his own experiment, Bozek said he uses the synchrotron light to study the electronic properties of matter.

"This could be atoms, molecules, nanoparticles and in some cases, liquid jets in vacuum," he explained.

Bozek said synchrotron light is used for studying various things at molecular level, including batteries, ancient materials and the structure of proteins for developing new pharmacology materials.

"There are 28 experiments going on at a given time at this facility, ranging from studying a simple atom to studying a battery," he said.

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