A synchrotron is a large device that uses strong magnets to accelerate electrons traveling near the speed of light. Light produced is 1,000 times more powerful than conventional x-ray machines, and has many unique qualities.
Synchrotron light can provide information previously unattainable to researchers.
It can be focused on microscopic areas, or inside mineral samples or living organisms, and allows the scientific community to better study areas previously unreachable, such as corrosion cracks, protein structures, catalyst mechanisms and other problems requiring high-intensity light. CLS will be located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, and is expected to be fully operational by 2004. The ASI will remain in operation until the Canadian Light Source is fully established, and will manage projects throughout Alberta requiring synchrotron technology. The institute will also train the province's top academic and industrial researchers to ensure they are able to incorporate this new technology into their work.