Harwell Diamond Light

We are on the move again! Defying boundaries, never stopping

Unforgettable experiences at the upfront of modern science at Diamont Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Hub.We’re off to the fascinating Harwell Campus to explore the Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron. It works like a giant microscope, harnessing the power of electrons to produce bright light that scientists use to study anything from fossils to jet engines, up to viruses and vaccines. The machine accelerates electrons to nearly the speed of light, causing them to emit light that is 10 billion times brighter than the sun. These bright beams are then directed into laboratories known as “beamlines”.

Here, scientists use the light to study a vast range of subjects, from new medicines and treatments for diseases to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s fragments of ancient paintings or unknown virus structures, scientists at the synchrotron can study their samples using a machine that is 10,000 times more powerful than a traditional microscope. Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities are helping keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research. For those interested in sciences Harwell offers apprenticeship in all subjects.