Support of Synchrotron Radiation Center Operations

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

The Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC) is a national research laboratory operated by the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin - Madison with funding from the National Science Foundation Division of Materials Research. The SRC uses an electron storage ring named Aladdin to produce light from the infrared to soft X-rays that enables a diverse range of experiments. The SRC is a world-class facility that provides an environment uniquely suited to the performance of often-seminal research, the development of new experimental techniques and instrumentation, and the use of synchrotron radiation in a broad range of disciplines including biology and medicine. This important national laboratory serves scientists from around the world who tackle fundamental and applied scientific problems such as: illuminating the physics of high temperature superconductors and exotic materials, understanding Alzheimer's and prion diseases, developing new techniques in brain cancer therapy, and cutting-edge explorations of nanotechnology and nanocircuit fabrication. The mission and activities of the SRC extend well beyond the laboratory bench, however. As part of a major public university based facility, the SRC contributes broadly to education and public outreach. Besides its continued role in graduate education (about 100 graduate students/year carry out research at the facility), the SRC hosts the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which focuses on encouraging and supporting women and ethnic minorities in their pursuit of science. The SRC has also developed a groundbreaking Web-based interface for high school students and undergraduates to conduct research remotely. Finally, a rare graduate program in accelerator physics is offered by UW-Madison --a program that includes hands-on experiments on Aladdin. The SRC is pursuing initiatives that will expand the scientific reach of the facility and take full advantage of the special qualities of the Aladdin complex. For example, given UW-Madison's preeminence in embryonic stem cell research, Aladdin would be an ideal site for an X-ray tomography microscope dedicated to this science. As part of its long-range planning, the installation of an energy recovery linear accelerator will produce shorter, brighter pulses of infrared and soft X-ray radiation and propel the facility as an invaluable national treasure well into the 21st century.