Iconic in design, Diamond Light Source is the world-leading synchrotron is 10,000 times more powerful than a standard microscope. Used for both academic and industrial research, this stadium-sized machine is the only one of its kind in the UK.
What is it?
Diamond Light Source is a world-leading medium energy synchrotron facility producing high intensity x-rays. It works like a giant microscope, harnessing the power of electrons to produce intensely bright light that scientists can use to study anything from fossils to jet engines, viruses to vaccines.
How does it work?
Whether it’s fragments of ancient paintings or unknown virus structures, scientists can use the synchrotron to study their samples. The machine works by accelerating electrons to near light speeds, so they give off a light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. These bright beams are then directed into laboratories known as ‘beamlines’. Here, scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.
One of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, Diamond’s pioneering capabilities are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.
Who can use it?
Over 14,000 researchers from across life and physical sciences both from academia and industry use Diamond to conduct experiments, assisted by approximately 700 staff. Whether it’s fragments of ancient paintings or unknown virus structures. The synchrotron is free at the point of access through a competitive application process, provided that the results are published in the public domain.
Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.
University of Manchester at Harwell
Collocated with the Diamond Light Source, the University of Manchester at Harwell are embedded within the national laboratory with their core team providing expert experimental support, whilst their fellows provide a cadre of expertise in areas of Extreme Science.
Latest events
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The Science of Happier Living
10th Jan
12:15 – 13:15 | Launchpad, Quad Two, Rutherford Avenue, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DF
There is a growing body of scientific research from psychology, neuroscience and…
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Science and innovationUK Catalysis Hub Winter Conference 2023
18th Dec
11:45 – 15:00 | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Fermi Avenue Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
On the 18th and 19th of December 2023 the UK Catalysis Hub will…
