School of Physics - Synchrotron Radiation

Lecturer:

Outline

Synchrotron radiation is generated when charged particles are accelerated. This radiation has been harnessed as a scientific tool in the development of Synchrotron Radiation Sources. In these sources, electrons are trapped in a large diameter orbit (~10 metres) which is approximately circular. Radiation from the accelerating electrons is passed into a series of beamlines, placed on tangents to the orbit, which cluster around the circumference of the electron beam path. At the end of each beamline, a variety of experimental stations, utilising light in the X-ray to the Ultra violet wavelength regions, are used for scientific studies.

A modern Synchrotron Radiation Source costs in the region of A$300 million to build. Despite the cost, the number of synchrotrons around the world has proliferated. Australia has specially negotiated access to a number of synchrotrons, with Australian beamlines.

Australia has just commenced building a Synchrotron Light Source in Victoria which is expected to open in 2007.

The course will explore the essential components of a Synchrotron Radiation Source and the beamlines leading to experimental stations.

The emphasis of the course will be on the science to which this versatile light source can be applied. Examples will be drawn from Atomic & Molecular Physics, Materials Science through to Biophysics.

Syllastrongus

Lecture 1: Synchrotron Radiation, SR Sources and Science at SR Sources

Lecture 2: Photoabsorption & Photoionisation

Lecture 3: Photoelectrons & Photoions

Lecture 4: Case Study 1: Atomic and Molecular Physics.

Lecture 5: Case Study 2: Materials.

Lecture 6: Case Study 3: Biological Sciences.

Assessment

By take-home exam at the completion of lectures.

Lecture Times

To be arranged for semester 2, 2003