Superconducting synchrotron radiaton soures for industrial applications

X-ray lithography and the LIGA process are promising examples for the application of synchrotron radiation in the field of industrial mass production of microelectronic and micromechanical devices. In addition, K-edge angiography is a candidate for the use of synchrotron radition in the field of medical diagnostics. To provide the necessary tools for these applications, compact electron storage rings are under development at many places worldwide. In this paper the basic concepts of superconducting storage rings are reviewed to point out the technical challenges in this field. The achievements made with the first compact sources are presented. (orig.)