Australian, Japanese synchrotrons to partner

Japan's SPring-8, the world's largest synchrotron, has signed a new partnership with the Australian Synchrotron to share expertise and develop new technology.

"The agreement will allow scientists to move freely between the Australian Synchrotron and Spring-8, and to work together to exchange ideas and develop new experimental technology, such as new generation detectors, to improve research techniques," said Victorian Innovation Minister John Brumby.

Spring-8 provides the most powerful synchrotron light currently available in the world. Japanese scientists will be able to use the Australian Synchrotron for work they are unable to do on the higher energy SPring-8 machine.

The Australian Synchrotron is due to open for business in 2007.