Cornell Synchrotron Trip
Alex Levitskiy
On April 28th and April 30th the physics classes visited the Cornell Synchrotron at Cornell University. Mr. Fuller, the physics teacher, taught us the basics of the synchrotron. Topics that we covered in class, such as electromagnetism, helped us more fully understand and appreciate the synchrotron at Cornell University. It is called the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) and is a particle accelerator. The particles that are used are electrons and positrons, which approach the speed of light. The synchrotron is equipped with enormous magnets of various sorts to steer and focus the particles. Once the particles are nearly at the speed of light they are moved to the storage ring, which was an addition to the synchrotron. The particles give off x-rays, which are focused into a strong beam. Students toured experimental hutches where the x-rays are used for research projects such as creating 3D views of proteins, aging of metals in aircraft wings, and uniformity of fuel sprays in diesel injectors.
Our trip began at the education center where we were introduced to what the synchrotron is and its future uses, including a linear particle accelerator. We were able to walk inside the tunnel where the particles race around. It was fascinating to comprehend that the initial building of the synchrotron was done before computers were a common, everyday item. The next part of our tour included seeing an experimental hutch and learning about the protein crystallography that a doctor there is working on. My group finished back at the education center where we were introduced to a particle detector that allows us to view the presence of subatomic particles called muons, which we will learn about later in the year. The trip was very fun and fascinating. Although it was difficult to understand everything going on there, it was beneficial to see the things we learn in the classroom on such a large, complex scale. We greatly appreciate that Cornell was able to accommodate us and provide us with an insightful tour.
