On October 16th, another important stage was achieved in the installation of the largest and most complex project in Brazilian science. Electrons in Sirius’ booster reached the extraction energy of 3 GeV (Giga-electronvolts). Upon reaching this energy in the Booster, electrons are transferred to the main accelerator, called the storage ring. This accelerator is currently assembled, and the next challenge is to get electrons to make a complete loop around it.

In the main accelerator, the electrons emit synchrotron light. This special light can reveal details of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials, such as proteins, viruses, rocks, plants, soil, alloys, among many others. Experiments with synchrotron light are conducted in experimental stations called beamlines. The structure for the first beamlines is also being finalized.

The new light source is being installed at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), in Campinas, SP. About 85% of the resources committed to the project by the Ministry of Science Technology Innovations and Communications (MCTIC) were invested in Brazil, in partnership with national companies. In addition to the construction works, contracts were signed with more than 300 small, medium and large companies, among which over 40 develop technological solutions especially for Sirius, alongside CNPEM researchers and engineers.