by
Prof.G. Materlik(Chief Executive of Diamond Light Source Ltd)
→
Europe/Rome
Aula M. Conversi (Dip. Fisica Edificio G. Marconi)
Aula M. Conversi
Dip. Fisica Edificio G. Marconi
Description
The first research projects have begun at the newly opened Diamond Light Source, a state of the art synchrotron facility. This new research facility represents the UK's largest scientific investment for 30 years. The Diamond synchrotron will be replacing the Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS) in Daresbury, Cheshire. The first seven beam lines have been constructed and Diamond became operational in February 2007. Diamond produces pinpoint ultra-violet and X-ray beams of exceptional brightness. These highly focused light beams enable scientists and engineers to probe deep into the basic structure of matter and materials, answering fundamental questions about everything from the building blocks of life to the origin of our planet. Diamond's beam lines will be employed in many different areas of science. One, for example, will be used to probe the atomic structure of magnetic materials; another will show what happens to materials in "extreme conditions", such as very high pressures and temperatures; and another will help the study of complex molecular structures such as viruses or proteins. Diamond will lead to breakthroughs in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, environment and materials science.