Ratio has joined the SMART*Light 2.0 consortium funded by the Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland program. The goal of the project is to develop a novel “tabletop” synchrotron for coherent high-brightness X-rays. The x-ray source is based on inverse Compton-scattering. That is, when ultra-short laser pulses (30 femto seconds) interact with bunches of electrons traveling nearly at the speed of light, the electrons emit X-rays.
These X-rays have highly desirable properties required in the development of new medicines, new materials for the energy transition, and the study and conservation of cultural heritage.
With this project Ratio will cooperate with TU Delft, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Antwerp, Ghent University, Materials innovation institute (M2i), DIFFER and VDL ETG Technology & Development B.V. The project runs for three years from the 1st of September until the 31st of Augustus 2026.