Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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
Synchrotron radiation occurs when charged particles, such as electrons, are accelerated in a curved path by a magnetic field.
The intensity and frequency of synchrotron radiation depend on the energy of the particles and the strength of the magnetic field.
Synchrotron radiation spans a broad spectrum, from infrared to X-rays, making it useful for various scientific applications.
It is highly collimated (focused) and polarized, which improves its utility in experimental physics and medical imaging.
In particle physics experiments, synchrotron radiation can be both a useful tool for probing matter and an unwanted source of energy loss.
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.