Canadian Light Source at the U of S Gets Approval for Routine Operations

Posted July 15, 2004


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, July 15, 2004 2004-07-08-OTHER

Canadian Light Source Gets Approval for Routine Operations

Canada's synchrotron received a licence to commence routine operations from
the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on Wednesday, clearing the
last regulatory hurdle before welcoming researchers to the $173.5 million U
of S-owned national facility.

"We can now open the doors to experimenters from across the country and
around the world," says Bill Thomlinson, executive director of the Canadian
Light Source (CLS). "As soon as the experimental facilities are ready, the
users can come."

The CLS is currently completing its first set of seven beamlines, the
facilities that feed ultra-bright synchrotron light to experimental
stations. The first call for proposals for research at the CLS will go out
this fall, with the first experiments expected to be underway by early 2005.

"We are seeing the beginning of a new era for Canadian science," says U of S
Vice President Research Steven Franklin. "Our national synchrotron will be a
catalyst for discovery and innovation that will be felt in the world of
research as well as in our everyday lives. Congratulations to the CLS team
for making it a reality."

Before issuing the licence, the CNSC studied written submissions and oral
presentations from both CLS and CNSC staff, and held a public hearing in
Saskatoon in early June.

The commission was satisfied that operation of the synchrotron will conform
to the demands of health and safety, environmental protection, security and
international obligations. A record of proceedings, including reasons for
the decision and transcripts of the hearing are available from the CNSC
website at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca.

Canadians will be invited to take a closer look at the country's brightest
light in October, when the CLS is hosting its grand opening celebrations. A
full slate of events is planned for the entire month, including a gala
evening, entertainment, public lectures on synchrotron science and
light-related themes, and a public open house

The CLS, one of the country's largest science projects in the last 30 years,
will be used by researchers in industry, government and academia. One of the
most advanced synchrotrons in the world, its light will be used to view
chemical reactions and the molecular structure of materials, paving the way
for new drugs, more powerful computer chips, better engine lubricants, more
effective medical imaging, environmental monitoring and a host of other
applications for science and industry. More information is available at
www.lightsource.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Thomlinson
Executive Director
Canadian Light Source
(306) 657-3600
www.lightsource.ca

Michael Robin
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research