Canadian Light Source Inc

The Canadian Light Source is Canada’s national centre for synchrotron research and a global centre of excellence in synchrotron science and its applications. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, the CLS is a world-class, state-of-the-art facility that is advancing Canadian science, enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian industry and contributing to the quality of life of people around the world.

The synchrotron is one of the largest science projects in Canadian history and was the product of an unprecedented collaboration of federal, provincial and municipal governments and agencies, universities from across the country and industry.

CLS operations are funded by Canada Foundation for Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Western Economic Diversification Canada, National Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan.

To date, the CLS has hosted 1,700 researchers from academic institutions, government, and industry from 10 provinces and territories; delivered over 26,000 experimental shifts; received over 6,600 user visits; and provided a scientific service critical in over 1,000 scientific publications, since beginning operations in 2005.

CLSI employs more than 200 people including scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative and business personnel.

What’s a synchrotron?

A synchrotron is a source of brilliant light that enables scientists to study the microstructure and chemical properties of materials. Extremely bright synchrotron light is produced by using radio frequency waves and powerful magnets to accelerate electrons close to the speed of light. The light—spanning the spectrum from infrared light to high energy X-rays--is shone down beamlines to laboratory endstations where researchers select specific wavelengths of light to observe matter down to the atomic level.

Synchrotrons can be used to analyze a host of physical, chemical, geological and biological processes. Information obtained by researchers can be used to develop ways to help reduce greenhouse gases and clean up mining wastes, examine the structure of surfaces to develop more effective paints and motor oils, design new drugs, develop new materials for products ranging from solar panels to safer medical implants and build more powerful computer chips. New applications are being thought of all the time - synchrotron experiments are even helping with the search for other life in the universe.

A Unique Mission

The mission of the Canadian Light Source encourages excellence in both basic and applied science, with the mandate to grow the Canadian synchrotron research community and promote the use of synchrotron techniques to industry. Part of this mandate is a globally-unique focus on commercial partnerships with industry, with a target of 25 percent industrial usage.

Industry Services

Non-destructive synchrotron-based research provides unsurpassed information for industry.

The Canadian Light Source offers innovative commercial research access, clear intellectual property policies, and scientists dedicated to working with industry.

We offer a unique-in-Canada service to companies: synchrotron- based measurement techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron and Auger spectroscopies, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy that can provide exceptional insight into industrial materials.

By increasing our understanding of chemical bonding and structure, we gain powerful insights into substances as varied as soils, mine wastes, catalysts, ores and minerals, biological tissues, functional foods and nutrient supplements, forensic evidence and manufactured materials such as metals, alloys, ceramics and polymers.

Vision

To be a global leader and a recognized centre of excellence in synchrotron science and its applications.

Mission Statement

To develop and operate the Canadian Light Source facility to enable the user community to conduct world-leading synchrotron-based research and development.

Synchrotron Expertise: We work with the Canadian and international scientific communities to enhance expertise in synchrotron science and promote the utilization of synchrotron light.
CLS Research and Development: We conduct competitive research and development to keep the Canadian Light Source at the forefront of synchrotron science.
Industrial Competitiveness: We promote industrial involvement and partnerships that support commercialization opportunities and economic development.
Innovation: We provide a collaborative multidisciplinary environment that fosters innovation.
Outreach: We participate actively in educational, social and cultural development of our communities.
International Cooperation: We collaborate internationally and foster the exchange of people and ideas.
Values

Operation of the CLS is guided by core values:

Scientific integrity and excellence
Respect, equity and balance in the workplace
User friendliness and teamwork
Safe working environment
Public accountability