Applications of synchrotron radiation (ultraviolet spectral light source)

The theory of synchrotron radiation is well understood. Those aspects relevant to its application as an XUV light source are reviewed, and this unique source is compared with conventional XUV light sources. A number of spectrometers are described that have been developed specifically for use with synchrotron radiation and that overcome some of the problems inherent in utilizing such sources. The greater part of the review describes experiments in atomic, molecular and solid state spectroscopy that have benefited substantially from the application of these intense, highly polarized XUV continua. The wavelength distribution of intensity of the synchrotron radiation can be calculated from known accelerator parameters if the total number of orbiting electrons can be determined. Synchrotrons can hopefully become absolute standards of intensity throughout the XUV spectral region.