October 27, 2009
From the earliest times we have endeavored to create light where there is darkness. During the past half-century, lasers and synchrotron light sources have enlightened the darkness. Through helping us to see, communicate, and process materials, they have advanced science and technology in countless ways. In recent years, free-electron lasers (FELs) have become an attractive option for brightening some of the darker regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as the hard x-ray and THz regions. FELs combine the wavelength flexibility of synchrotrons with the brightness and coherence of lasers. Therefore, they can have a competitive advantage in spectral regions where other light sources are weak, with applications ranging from basic materials science to defense.
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Colloquia are held Tuesdays in Room 1410 at 4:00 pm (preceded by light refreshments at 3:30). If you have additional questions, please call 301-405-5946.
