A synchrotron is a type of particle accelerator that generates intense beams of light, known as synchrotron radiation. It works by accelerating charged particles, such as electrons, to nearly the speed of light in a circular path. As these particles travel through magnetic fields, they emit powerful beams of light that can be used for various scientific applications. Synchrotron radiation is valuable in fields like materials science, biology, and chemistry. Researchers use it to study the structure of materials at the atomic level, investigate biological processes, and develop new drugs. Facilities like the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) are dedicated to this type of research.