China is reportedly preparing to activate one of the world’s most advanced X-ray light sources, the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), located near Beijing. The facility, built at a cost of $657 million, is expected to start emitting X-ray rays at the experimental stations by the end of December. The fourth-generation synchrotron, one of only a few worldwide, is said to enable researchers to probe the atomic-level structures of proteins, materials and chemical reactions. Final operational approval from the National Development and Reform Commission is awaited before its inauguration.
HEPS Breakthrough Capabilities
According to Science.org, HEPS produces X-ray light by accelerating electrons to high energy and directing them along a circular track. reportThe emitted synchrotron radiation, mainly “hard” X-rays, is distributed across 14 initial beamlines. Scientists will use these rays to image structures at the atomic and nanometer scale, as well as observe chemical processes in nanoseconds.
Mingda Li, a materials quantum properties expert at MIT, called it an unprecedented moment for the synchrotron, according to ScienceAdvancer. ResearchIt is being compared to the unveiling of a new telescope that uncovers previously unseen phenomena.
Applications in structural biology and materials science
As reported in the publication, Dong Yuhui, deputy director of the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), said that HEPS will significantly advance research in structural biology. This technology will reportedly allow high-resolution imaging of protein machines, viruses and cellular structures in their natural environments. However, management of the huge data generated from these experiments remains a major challenge.
Global competition and future plans
HEPS marks Asia’s first fourth-generation synchrotron, making China a leader in advanced light source technology. While an upgrade of Japan’s SPring-8 facility to SPring-8-II is said to be planned by 2029, HEPS intends to remain competitive. DONG has announced plans to add 30 to 32 beamlines over the next five years, ensuring its capabilities continue to grow and support diverse scientific activities.
By January 2025, proposals from the global research community will reportedly be accepted, with intense competition for beam time expected.