Overview of the Machine

The X-rays used at Diamond Light Source are generated using a series of three particle accelerators. Electrons are first generated in the Electron Gun (1), then accelerated through the Linear Accelerator (2) and Booster Synchrotron. Dipole Magnets (3) bend the electron beam as it travels around the storage ring in an ultra-high Vacuum (4). Passing through arrays of magnets called Insertion Devices (5) causes the electrons to emit very bright light in the form of X-rays. These X-rays are channeled into the Beamlines (6) where experiments are carried out.

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