Aspects of a new light source

The National Synchrotron Light Source, under construction at Brookhaven Laboratory, will be a uniquely copious source of x-ray and ultraviolet photons with a wide spectrum. Some of the potential uses of this intense radiation include studies of absorption spectra, photo-emission of electrons, x-ray scattering, biochemical studies and other areas of basic research. It can also be used for micro-lithography of integrated circuits for ultra dense semiconductor devices. The basic operation of the electron synchrotron is described. This includes the three step acceleration of the electrons through a linear accelerator, a booster synchrotron and finally in a synchrotron storage ring. The synchrotron magnet power system, the responsibility of a black engineer, is described. An SCR chopper approach is used with precision components to achieve current stability and repeatability of 0.01 percent. This current generates the magnetic fields which bend and focus the electron beam