A giant is being built in Lund, Sweden - MAX IV

llustrations of MAX IV exterior, by Fojab.

In 2015, the MAX IV will be operational in Lund, Sweden. The goal is to be world-leading in producing synchrotron radiation for scientific purposes. When charged, particles like electrons and protons are moving close to the speed of light and are bent by magnetic fields –  synchrotron radiation is created. This radiation contains many different wavelengths but with diffraction grating you can filter out x-ray radiation, which is the prefered choice when probing materials at the molecular level.

By leading x-rays into different beamlines, scientists can use the radiation for their research. By manipulating gratings and filters, scientists can vary the x-rays and by doing so, examine their material in detail. MAX IV will help scientists in the following areas:

• catalysts
• batteries 
• solar cells
• LED
• monitors
• computers
• cell phones
• drugs
• fuel cells
• clays for water purification or storage of nuclear waste
• artificial photosynthesis

Since 1987, MAX-lab has been using synchrotron radiation for studying materials molecule by molecule. When MAX IV is ready to use in 2015, it will also be possible to study chemical processes in real time.  

MAX IV will be used by various industries for targeted research and for basic research. It is in the areas of material science, biotechnology, and medicin that usable discoveries will be made.

Sources in Swedish:
https://www.maxlab.lu.se/node/209
http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAX-lab
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/avsnitt/576?programid=412

Atom in a Box - for higher education or very interested

Atom in a Box

The atom is a very strange place but if not quantum mechanics was working as it did, we would not be here. The programme Atom in a Box visualizes how atomic orbitals look like. The program is aimed at university students, or possibly very interested high school students.

A 48 min. lecture on Reality and the Orbital Approximation where the program Atom in a Box is used.

Requirements: Mac only. Sorry no Windows version.

For individual users, this is US $20 shareware

Link to Atom in a Box

PhET - Fun, interactive simulations of scientific phenomena

Interactive applets that integrate science, knowledge and entertainment is perhaps not so common. At the University of Colorado has managed to develop this. Made in JAVA and Flash makes the apps easier to use on different operating systems. According Phet all apps are tested and evaluated all the apps before they are posted. Current categories include: physics, biology, chemistry, earth science and math

Now try it your self with Energy skate park

Phet
Requirements

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