Synchrotron radiation

Definition

Synchrotron radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted when charged particles are accelerated radially. It is commonly produced in particle accelerators where electrons travel at nearly the speed of light.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Synchrotron radiation occurs when charged particles, such as electrons, are accelerated in a curved path by a magnetic field.
2. The intensity and frequency of synchrotron radiation depend on the energy of the particles and the strength of the magnetic field.
3. Synchrotron radiation spans a broad spectrum, from infrared to X-rays, making it useful for various scientific applications.
4. It is highly collimated (focused) and polarized, which improves its utility in experimental physics and medical imaging.
5. In particle physics experiments, synchrotron radiation can be both a useful tool for probing matter and an unwanted source of energy loss.

Review Questions

• What causes synchrotron radiation to be emitted?
• How does the energy of a charged particle affect the characteristics of its synchrotron radiation?
• Why is synchrotron radiation considered both useful and problematic in particle physics experiments?

Related terms

Particle Accelerator:

A machine that accelerates charged particles to high speeds using electromagnetic fields.

Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Bremsstrahlung:

Radiation produced when a charged particle is decelerated or deflected by another charged particle, typically an electron by an atomic nucleus.