India's first synchrotron radiation source Indus-1: A historical perspective

摘要

Because of its unique properties such as broad spectrum extending from far infrared to hard X-rays, small beam size and divergence resulting in high brightness, short pulse duration and possibility of getting polarized beam even in X-ray region, synchrotron radiation has emerged as a powerful tool for pure and applied research in almost all branches of science and technology as well as for applications in industries. No wonder, research with synchrotron radiation is the fastest growing area of research today. Most of the western countries either already have synchrotron radiation source (SRSs) or are building newer and more powerful SRSs. Many manufacturers of integrated circuits or Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) have their own SRSs either for production line use or for development of new products or for research. India's first SRS, Indus-l, became operational at the Center for Advanced Technology (CAT), Indore, in early 1999. Indus-1 is a 450 MeV storage ring which gives synchrotron radiation extending up to about 20 A in the vacuum ultraviolet/soft X-rays. To use synchrotron radiation from Indus-1 for various experiments, six beamlines with associated experimental stations are planned. Of these, two beamlines were commissioned in November 1999 and the third one is in the final stage of commissioning. The remaining three beamlines are also expected to be ready within a few months. With the commissioning of Indus-1 and its beamlines, Indian scientists now have access to this modern tool.