The synchrotron at the University of Saskatchewan will attract scientists from around the world.

The Canadian Light Source synchrotron, a massive light-generating machine under construction in Saskatoon, will allow scientists to analyse molecular matter with astonishing precision.

Canada is one of the few industrialized countries  without a working synchrotron.

The synchrotron is as long as a football field. It will use radio frequency waves and powerful magnets to accelerate electrons to nearly the speed of light. This produces powerful beams that allow matter to be analysed in microscopic form — the brighter the light, the greater the magnification.

By viewing matter in such detail, scientists hope to develop breakthrough medicines and powerful computer microchips, and analyse the effects of pollutants on the environment. The $173.5 million project, the first of its kind in Canada, is located at the University of Saskatchewan. Completion is planned for Jan. 1, 2004.

Sharing the wealth

'It encompasses almost every area of science. It's as limitless as your imagination.'

“You can literally see inside an atom with this thing,” says John Embury, Natural Resources Canada spokesman for the project. “This is a breakthrough for scientists and researchers in Canada."

Scientists won't be the only ones to benefit from the huge machine.

“The synchrotron will be used by companies, corporations ... and universities in terms of health research and product research. It can be used for rubber for tires, or shampoo, or toothpaste or cancer research," Embury says.

It could take 10 to 15 years for synchrotron research to be translated into products and services.

The synchrotron is a national facility, but the University of Saskatchewan owns it. The university won the bid to build the synchrotron in a national competition, and is responsible for making the project successful and self-supporting. 

Yet, most of the funding comes from the federal government and its various departments, and from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, a non-profit scientific research organization founded by the federal government.

Construction of a synchrotron may be long overdue. Canada is the only G-7 country without one in operation.

The University of Saskatchewan sees great potential in the Canadian Light Source. It says a report from a Toronto consulting firm states the project could attract $35 million annually in commercial research and development spending. 

Home sweet home

The spinoffs will be as important as the commercial and medical uses for the synchrotron, Embury says.

It will attract and keep scientific talent at home. And the university claims it could draw thousands of scientists from around the world.

“You get high-tech, well-priced jobs in Canada,” he says. “You get people coming from all over the country and around the world using this thing. We’ve got pretty much the most advanced machine going in the world right now. So that makes Canada attractive to people who may have looked elsewhere to do their research.”

Jeff Cutler is one scientist who did look elsewhere. After working with the U.S. Air Force for years, he recently returned to Canada to help develop mining applications with the synchrotron.

“I saw this (the synchrotron) as my opportunity to actually come back to Canada,” Cutler says. “This will give Canadians the opportunity to come home, because a lot do want to come home. There has just been no place for them to come back.”

Cutler knows of four other Canadian scientists who have returned from the U.S. to work on the project — and more could be on the way.

The Canadian Light Source employs some 60 scientists, technicians and administrators. When it's in operation, the project is expected to create 200 permanent full-time jobs, says a university report.

Holding our own

'This is the largest and best facility of its type in the world.'

Cutler, who has a graduate degree in physical chemistry, says the synchrotron is a valuable teaching tool.

“It’s an amazingly great opportunity for students just to learn. I’ve learned more than I could have imagined about the different areas of science by having access to a synchrotron."

The Canadian Light Source will be the most advanced synchrotron in the world. But Canada may be lagging behind in science innovation. Brazil, China, India, Korea and Taiwan all have synchrotrons.

But Carmen Charette, vice-president of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, says Canada is taking a leading role in science innovation, not just keeping pace.

“This is the largest and best facility of its type in the world,” says Charette. “It certainly puts Canada on the map in this area of research, and will lead to results that will be of significant benefit to Canada and the world.”

Cutler agrees.

He sees Canada as a science leader, not a follower, and thinks the nation’s newest scientific tool is groundbreaking for many reasons.

“It's essentially a $180 million light bulb. It encompasses almost every area of science. It’s almost as limitless as your imagination is.

“This is our chance to make scientific history right here in Canada."  

Related Links Canadian Light Source Inc. home page Natural Resources Canada - synchrotron workshop Synchrotron light sources of the world