Beamlines

Beamlines

Beamlines are integral parts of particle accelerators, guiding the accelerated particles to their experimental or practical applications. They consist of various components like magnets, mirrors (for light sources), vacuum systems, and diagnostic tools to control and focus the particle beams.

Each beamline is designed to suit specific research needs, such as synchrotron radiation facilities where they direct radiation to experimental end stations for studies in crystallography, materials science, and biology or medical treatment beams, where particles such as photons are delivered directly to patient tissues. The precise control over the beam’s path and characteristics ensures high-quality experimental, treatment and manufacturing outcomes.

Main Types

Beamlines can be categorized based on their source and purpose:

1. Insertion Device Beamlines: Use undulators or wigglers to produce high-brightness, tunable radiation.
2. Bending Magnet Beamlines: Generate radiation from the curved trajectory of electrons in storage rings.
3. Free Electron Laser Beamlines: Produce coherent, high-intensity radiation through electron beam interaction with magnetic structures.
4. Ion Beamlines: Transport and manipulate ion beams for various applications, including materials analysis and modification.
5. Neutron Beamlines: Guide neutron beams from spallation sources or research reactors for scattering experiments.

Sectors and Specialized Instrumentation

Areas of industry and science that use beamlines are typically organized based on disciplines or experimental techniques. These include spectroscopy, diffraction, imaging, medical treatment, ion implantation, soft X-ray, high-pressure, and time-resolved spectroscopy to name a few.

Each sector incorporates specialized end-stations and sample environments tailored to specific experimental requirements, such as cryostats, furnaces, gantries or in situ reaction chambers.