Diamond Light Source Photographic Exhibition

2 3 D iamond is the UK’s national synchrotron facility. Since becoming operational in 2007, it has been a leading centre for synchrotron science on the world stage, supporting UK universities, institutes and companies to undertake research in a diverse set of areas and sectors. It employs scientists, engineers, technicians, and professional staff who provide support and services to its users, undertake R&D and engage in a range of other training and public outreach activities. Diamond is a not-for-profit company. At the heart of Diamond sits a machine called a synchrotron, half a kilometre in circumference. Magnetic and electric fields are used to accelerate electrons to almost the speed of light, producing intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. These beams are particularly useful for the detailed study of atomic and molecular structures. Synchrotron light is also emitted in pulses of less than a nanosecond, enabling their use in studying ultra-fast reactions. The light is channelled out of the synchrotron machine called a storage ring and into the experimental stations called beamlines , of which there are now 33 in operation. Introduction to Diamond Light Source 1. Linac – Linear accelerator 2. Booster synchrotron 3. Storage ring 4. Experimental station 5. Optics hutch 6. Experimental hutch 7. Control cabin 5, 6, 7 Make up what we call the experimental stations or beamlines. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7