Synchrotron

Synchrotron radiation is electromagnetic radiation generated by the acceleration of electrons to near the speed of light through magnetic fields. As the magnets direct the electrons, usually in a circular path, the electrons turn and emit photons of light which can range in wavelength over the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, x-rays, and gamma rays. Synchrotron radiation is distinguished by its characteristic polarization and spectrum. At synchrotron user facilities, the most common wavelengths generated are from infrared to x-rays. Unlike traditional x-ray sources, synchrotron radiation has a continuous distribution of energies and can be tuned appropriately such that a single energy is used (monochromatically) or a wide spectrum ("white" light).