Building a new range of innovation platform to address social issues: Next-generation synchrotron radiation facility NanoTerasu

Abstract

NanoTerasu is about to start operation in April 2024. It is a next-generation synchrotron radiation facility under construction at Tohoku University Aobayama New Campus (Sendai City). Speaking of synchrotron radiation facilities, SPring-8 in Hyogo Prefecture, which began operation in 1997, is well known to the general public. After about a quarter of a century, new facilities developed and operated by the government have appeared. The accelerator technology that produces light is based on the unique technology of synchrotron radiation science in Japan, which has been honed at Spring Eight. However, SPring-8 and NanoTerasu have completely different uses. This is because, while SPring-8 is strong in the use of hard X-rays, NanoTerasu has strengths in the use of soft X-rays. Leveraging this strength, we are trying to contribute to solving the social issues we face, such as the creation of a carbon-neutral society. Our challenge with NanoTerasu will be described in detail.