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The Canadian Light Source synchrotron at the University of Saskatchewan is getting a significant upgrade.
On Wednesday, Innovation Saskatchewan announced a $3 million commitment to support the installation of a state-of-the-art solid-state amplifier, which was described as “an essential component of the particle accelerator at the heart of the CLS, powering all 22 synchrotron beamlines.” The organization said the upgrade will lead to improvements in performance, reliability and energy efficiency, strengthening the facility’s capabilities to assist with advanced research.
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According to the Canadian Light Source, a synchrotron accelerates electrons to nearly the speed of light around a ring, directing them using electromagnets and radio frequency waves. As the electrons move around the ring, they emit bright and highly focused light, which is directed to beamlines used by researchers working on several different types of experiments.
The Canadian Light Source is the only synchrotron in Canada, offering specialized tools to help scientists look at materials at the atomic level.
Warren Kaeding, the provincial minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan, said it is one of the province’s most important assets when it comes to research and innovation.
“Investing in world-class research infrastructure helps strengthen Saskatchewan’s innovation ecosystem by connecting researchers, industry and institutions to accelerate discovery, commercialization and economic growth,” Kaeding said in a statement.
According to Innovation Saskatchewan, recent research projects at the particle accelerator have focused on increasing the value of crops grown in the province, advancements in precision agriculture, improving sustainability in building materials and supporting technology that could be used to strengthen nuclear energy in Canada.
“The new solid-state amplifier will boost our facility’s reliability and performance, giving researchers and industry partners improved tools to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions across many sectors,” Ingrid Pickering, the Canadian Light Source’s interim CEO, said in a statement.
Those comments were echoed by University of Saskatchewan president Vince Bruni-Bossio, who said the synchrotron represents “a shining example” of the ways the province is helping to shape research and innovation on a global level.
“This investment from Innovation Saskatchewan will give researchers and industry partners stronger tools needed to spark new ideas and create valuable solutions that will have lasting impacts on Saskatchewan and around the world,” Bruni-Bossio said.
Innovation Saskatchewan said that since 2018, the provincial government has channeled more than $40 million to the Canadian Light Source, “demonstrating its commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem and supporting long-term growth and competitiveness.”
