Revealing materials’ secrets with synchrotron light

Alexander Moewes is a high-energy physicist. Literally. The University of Saskatchewan researcher doesn’t smash atoms together to study subatomic particles—the typical work of “real” high-energy physicists. Rather, Moewes radiates energy and enthusiasm when he talks about his favorite research tools—synchrotrons.

“With synchrotron radiation, you can do experiments in so many areas of science that just cannot be done in any other way,” he says excitedly.