Atomic physics with synchrotron radiation: Past, present and future

A subject which has recently received much attention is the electromagnetic radiation generated by relativistic electrons undergoing centripetal acceleration. This phenomenon was observed even prior to the advent of synchrotron radiation. However, in light of the newly recognized potentialities of synchrotron radiation, a better understanding of atomic structure and dynamics is possible. Most of the data to date have brought information on closed shell systems, and particularly on outer shell ionization process