How does an experiment at a synchrotron unfold? What do the samples that scientists study there look like? What information do they obtain on a beamline?
Since 2008, to make the answers to these questions more concrete, a few teams of scientists have been filmed among the hundreds who come each year to use SOLEIL's beamlines.
Since SOLEIL began its operations, nearly 30 videos—each about 5 minutes long—have been recorded, capturing snapshots of the scientific life at the synchrotron. You can watch them here.
Bonus question: What happens after the experiments conducted at the synchrotron?
With our series 'Next Chapter', we offer you a look back at some of the experiments filmed at SOLEIL: we tracked down the "actors" from these videos to find out if, and how, the information collected helped advance their research.
The first episode of this series revisits research conducted in 2009 on the SMIS beamline, to study a strange white substance that covers the walls of prehistoric caves.
Seven more episodes will follow, with two being released each month.
Discover how SOLEIL is part of the long-distance race that is scientific research.
