Synchrotron radiation impacts discussed
By Hugh Biggar
Before a packed house April 27 in Panofsky Auditorium at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), Professor Emeritus Herman Winick discussed the groundbreaking work of synchrotron radiation. Speaking as part of the SLAC Public Lecture Series, Winick outlined the revolution synchrotron radiation has sparked in fields ranging from environmental remediation to art history.
"It is an extraordinary tool for many areas of science," he said.
Synchrotron radiation is the result of a waste product, Winick explained. Electrons traveling near the speed of light create an electromagnetic radiation waste when they curve. The effect is similar to the way a bicycle tire throws off rainwater. Scientists have learned to harness this electromagnetic radiation by tuning it to different wavelengths including hard x-rays.
"Essentially, the x-rays are identical to x-rays from medical and dental machines, but with one million times the intensity," Winick said.
This intense light can be used to illuminate areas previously unknown to researchers, revolutionizing the study of sub-microscopic worlds. Objects 100,000 times smaller than what can be seen with ordinary light are now visible using synchrotron light.
The tool has led to greater scientific understanding across a range of disciplines. Chip manufacturers have used synchrotron radiation to examine silicon wafers for impurities, helping them better understand why computers fail. Medical researchers find it a "premier tool for the study of protein structure," Winick said, helping them develop new drugs. "Its detailed look at the structure of toxins enables you to determine how toxins work," he said, illustrating the point with a slide detailing how cholera attacks a gut cell.
In a demonstration of synchrotron radiation's applications in areas outside of science, Winick also showed how the technology is being used to restore Renaissance paintings at the Cantor Arts Center. Synchrotron radiation is used to provide information about the paint used, helping resolve questions about a painting's origins.
Largely though, synchrotron light is being used to address biomedical and environmental concerns around the world. Since the founding of the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory in 1973, Winick noted that more than 20,000 scientists now use synchrotron radiation from more than 54 operational research facilities in 19 countries including Brazil, China, India, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. The growth of these international laboratories matches the growing use of synchrotron radiation for a diversity of projects.
"It's going to continue to innovate," Winick said of the technology.
The next SLAC public lecture will be held Tues., June 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Panofsky Auditorium. Half of the universe appears to be missing and physicist Steven Sekula, who works at MIT on the BABAR collaboration, will explain efforts to find out why this is so. His discussion will focus on matter and anti-matter.
Hugh Biggar is a graduate student in journalism.
