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Synchrotron up close

A group of fifty second-year chemical engineering students got a first-hand look at the most powerful research facility in Australia on a recent visit to the Australian Synchrotron.

The tour of the $200 million synchrotron was coordinated by the Monash Centre for Synchrotron Science (MCSS) in conjunction with staff at the Australian Synchrotron.

A supporting lecture from MCSS Beamline Research Fellow Dr Rosalie Hocking provided the students with an overview of how the machine works and how it can contribute to research.

A synchrotron is a large machine (about the size of a football field) that accelerates electrons to almost the speed of light. As the electrons are deflected through magnetic fields they create extremely bright light. The light is channelled down beamlines to experimental workstations where it is used for research.

Director of the Australian Pulp and Paper Institue Professor Gil Garnier said the tour, now part of the Bio-Nano Engineering curriculum, aimed to provide the students with the motivation and inspiration to pursue a career in Engineering Science.

 Monash University Centre for Synchrotron Science's Research and Training Manager Karen Siu shows students the XAS (X-ray absorption spectroscopy) beamline.
Monash University Centre for Synchrotron Science's Research and Training Manager Karen Siu shows students the XAS (X-ray absorption spectroscopy) beamline.

"We also wanted to show the students that Australia can be competitive at an international level," Professor Garnier said.

"We hope that the visit will broader the students' horizons and show them that high technology and innovation is within their reach."

MCSS Research and Training Manager Dr Karen Siu said the success of the tour had led to plans to include further tours as part of the coursework of other undergraduates.

"We look forward to providing this fantastic activity as part of the Monash undergraduate experience," Dr Siu said.