Desktop Synchrotron to Capture Molecular Action

Syncrhronymous Coward writes "Researchers led by Dino Jaroszynski of Strathclyde University have developed a desktop synchrotron particle accelerator that could soon freeze-frame the motion of atoms and molecules. Using a laser, some gas, and a row of magnets, his team put together a source of 'synchrotron light', which they say can be easily upgraded to produce intense, ultra-short pulses of X-rays — ideal for probing the intricate structure of many kinds of matter. Instead of a conventional ring of magnets and microwave cavities, they use an experimental technology called plasma wakefield acceleration."

Hmm..

[HadesInjustice]

Do you know if they can somehow take a picture of the atoms while it is at a freeze frame? or will the photon cause the atoms to move again? I just need some pictures of real atoms to prove to my liberal art 'friends' that atoms are not just some random stuff we (chemist and chem e) thought up to confuse them.

It finally happened:

[Glowing Fish]

2008 looks like it is finally going to be the year of the synchrotron on the desktop!

Plasma Wakefield acceleration

[charlesbakerharris]

You can slow the atoms down as much as you want, and major league hitters still can't hit 'em.

Except Aaron Boone, dammit.

Meh...

[6Yankee]

...I've got a real one [srs.ac.uk] in the next building! :)

Just one step closer...

[Tmack]

...to backpack mounted unlicensed nuclear accelerators that emit proton beams.

tm

A laser, some gas, and a row of magnets...

[Protometheus]

Did that sentence sound very MacGyver to anyone else?