For Students

Below you will find links to find out more about synchrotrons, how they work, what they do and why they are such a useful tool in modern science.

If you are carrying out a project on synchrotrons, you might find your local light-sources page useful. See here to find the synchrotron closest to you.

Student resources

• Basic information on X-rays  - How X-rays Work
• Fantastic set of comic strips produced by Spring8 -  http://www.spring8.or.jp/en/kids/8hakase/
• Articles and multimedia science content – Science Friday
  Making Science Radioactive
• Information on materials science – what is it, and why does it matter! - Strange Matter
• Brochure provided by the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source - "What would happen if you had x-ray vision?"
• An irreverent romp into the world of things "nano" - "When Things Get Small"
• Simulations and case studies on the dedicated education micro-site from Diamond Light Source: www.insidediamond.org
• Films and animations from Diamond light source – www.vimeo.com/diamondlightsource

Things to do

• Visit your local lightsource! See individual facilities pages to see if they offer public or schools open days
• Origami synchrotron – make your own paper synchrotron at home! (awaiting link)

Advanced resources

• Synchrotron Light: a primer for advanced students