This two-storey circular building, with a diameter about the playing surface of the MCG, has just been completed. And its terrifically advanced and delicate instrumentation is now in the process of being installed - all in time for the kick-off siren in 2007.

When that happens, it is expected that scientists from around the world, but in particular, the Asia-Pacific region, will don guernseys and take the field in the hope of kicking goals for their research.

The ultra-brilliant 'synchrotron light' the electrons emit will help scientists see and analyse very small things in very great detail - at a molecular level...

So far, synchrotron light has proven perfect for:

• Medicine and forensics (understanding how tumours migrate through the body; analysing materials to assist in crime detection)
• Food technology (smoother chocolate and lower-fat potato chips)
• Materials technology (more heat resistant ceramics for jet engines)
• Biology (seeing how insects breathe)
• Creating new and better pharmaceuticals
• Improving agricultural productivity.

So what is synchrotron light?

• Electromagnetic radiation emitted when electrons, moving near the speed of light, are forced to change direction by a magnetic field
• Emitted in a narrow cone at a tangent to the particle's orbit. Channelled off along 'beamlines' to experimental workstations
• Enables scientists to see and analyse down to the level of atoms and molecules in exquisite detail.

It is unique:

• Ultra bright - hundreds of thousands of times more intense than conventional x-rays - provides greater penetration and clarity
• Wide energy spectrum - from infrared to x-rays - to cover diversity of applications - specific wavelengths can be selected
• Highly polarised - linear, circular or elliptical - provides more detail about molecular orientation in a sample - particularly useful for pharmaceutical research.

The diagram on the right demonstrates the extensive range of electromagnetic radiation generated by a synchrotron - from infrared through to hard x-rays. The spectrum visible to humans is represented by the narrow rainbow band on the diagram. No wonder synchrotron light has so many uses…
	Click on the image to enlarge.

Mechanics of a synchrotron
Electrons are created in an electron gun, similar to a cathode ray tube in a television. A linear accelerator increases their speed to close to the speed of light, before they are excited to increase their energy in the booster ring. From here, they are fed off into the outer (storage) ring.

Magnets control the electrons as they travel in an ultra high vacuum (like outer space) along a stainless steel tube. The synchrotron light is captured in beamlines (tubes), where it is filtered and tuned, then travels to experimental workstations, which are stationed around the circumference of the outer ring.

An ultra stable environment (vibration, temperature and humidity need to be controlled) is essential, so the building is constructed on two separate concrete floor slabs - the outer slab supports laboratories, administration and control rooms. The central slab, meanwhile, houses:

• Experimental workstations
• Synchrotron machine and tunnels
• Accelerator equipment.

Who's who at the light-house party
Funding, some $206m, has come mostly from the Victorian Government, with partners such as New Zealand Government, ANSTO, CSIRO, The University of Melbourne, Monash University and others contributing to a partnership to build an initial set of beamlines.

Additional beamline funding is expected from universities, industry and governments.

A synchrotron case study: drug-free horses
Sydney University scientists used overseas synchrotrons to help Australian vets develop a better treatment for race-sore horses to reduce pain and swelling.

Indomethacin is an effective anti-inflammatory for horses but has side-effects unless bound to a metal ion. The synchrotron technique tracked exactly how a formulation of indomethacin bound to copper was absorbed in the body.

Result? A new, easily administered oral paste for race horses that works well with minimal side-effects

Internal view of the synchrotron

Click on the image to enlarge.

1. Electron Gun
Electrons are generated from a heated filament and directed into a high vacuum tube.

2. LINAC
A Linear Accelerator (LINAC) uses microwaves to push electrons up to near the speed of light.

3. Booster Ring
Microwaves further accelerate the electrons. Magnets steer and focus the electrons into a fine beam thinner than a human hair.

4. Storage Ring
When electrons are deflected by a strong magnetic field, they produce synchrotron light across the spectrum. The ring is some 67m in diameter.

5. Beamlines
Synchrotron light is channelled into individual experimental stations.

6. Experimental Stations
Separate experiments using specific wavelengths can be conducted simultaneously at more than 30 end stations.