About Diamond | What is Synchrotron Light used for?

What areas of science use synchrotron light?

Synchrotrons are used across a vast range of scientific areas, including biology, physics, chemistry, food science, forensics, archaeology, engineering, and earth and environmental sciences. See our Science pages for more information and case studies.

Is synchrotron light used for fundamental research as well as applied science?

Yes. Diamond has already been used to investigate the structure of sodium at very high pressures, and the detailed surface properties of magnetic materials, which do not currently have known applications, but may do in the future. An example of past fundamental research was into a phenomenon called giant magneto-resistance, now used in some portable mp3 players.

Are there any famous examples of discoveries thanks to synchrotron radiation?

Yes. Giant magneto-resistance, the phenomenon behind portable mp3 players, was studied using synchrotrons. The anti-flu drug Tamiflu was developed using synchrotron based research, and the structure of the Foot & Mouth virus was successfully mapped on a synchrotron. Synchrotrons have also been used to monitor the air at Ground Zero following the attacks on the World Trade Centre, to study the degradation of the Dead Sea scrolls and to investigate properties of materials on an atomic and molecular scale.

Who owns the intellectual property on discoveries made at Diamond?

The intellectual property is typically retained by the institution or institutions that fund the researchers. Academic researchers who use Diamond must publish their research in the public domain. The IP on discoveries made by employees of Diamond Light Source is owned by Diamond. Industrial researchers may opt not to publicly release their results, but these researchers must pay to use Diamond. << How do synchrotrons work? | How is the facility run? >>