New book shines light on synchrotron science: from earthly labs to the edge of the Universe
Synchrotron Light: A Physics Journey from Laboratory to Cosmos
A major new publication from Oxford University Press is set to illuminate the world of synchrotron light in unprecedented depth.
Co-authored by Dr Daniele Pelliccia (Instruments & Data Tools and Rubens Technologies) and Professor David M. Paganin (Monash University School of Physics and Astronomy), Synchrotron Light: A Physics Journey from Laboratory to Cosmos will be released globally on August 25, 2025.
This 736-page volume, featuring nearly 300 black-and-white and colour illustrations, offers a comprehensive exploration of “synchrotron radiation”. This term is physics jargon for the needle-like brilliant bursts of energy streaming out from charged particles that travel along curved paths at close to the speed of light. This principle is used to build machines (called “synchrotrons”) that have thousands of applications, such as dramatically improved means for three-dimensional medical imaging. The same principle shines light on Earth from some of the highest-energy objects in deep space, such as black holes eating stars.
The classical-physics and quantum-physics foundations of synchrotron light are explored in this book, as well as its applications in particle accelerators and astrophysical phenomena.
Written for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and professionals, the book derives key results from first principles and connects traditionally siloed areas of physics.
“What started as a short book for a short lockdown quickly evolved into something much larger,” said Professor Paganin.
“As we explored the breadth of synchrotron light, from subatomic particles to medical imaging and on to black-hole radiation in deep space, we realised how profoundly interconnected these fields are. That insight shaped the book’s structure and scope.”
The book is the result of a unique collaboration between academia and industry, combining Dr Pelliccia’s expertise at Instruments & Data Tools and Rubens Technologies with Professor Paganin’s theoretical physics background. Together, they have created a resource that is both rigorous and accessible, treating synchrotron light as a unifying concept across multiple domains of science.
Topics covered include accelerator-based and astrophysical sources of synchrotron light, quantum-mechanical and quantum-optical aspects, and even generalisations to exotic interactions such as neutrino synchrotron radiation and gravitational waves. The book also explores the pedagogical challenge of fostering creativity and leadership in science students, an area close to Professor Paganin’s heart.
“As a theoretical physicist, I see synchrotron light not just as a tool, but as a bridge between disciplines,” Professor Paganin said. “This book is an invitation to explore that bridge whether you're working in a synchrotron lab, studying cosmic phenomena, or simply curious about the elegant physics that underpins our universe.”
To support readers, the authors have developed a companion website: https://synchrotron-light.net. It includes:
- Downloadable versions of all figures
- Over 100 commented Python codes used to generate visualisations
- Supplementary lectures
- Hyperlinked bibliographies for each chapter
The book is already being promoted globally through conference presentations, targeted outreach to colleagues, and talks at major synchrotron facilities. Readers are encouraged to request copies for their institutional libraries and explore the book’s rich digital resources.
A discounted copy of the book can be ordered here.
Further information
Silvia Dropulich
Marketing, Media & Communications Manager, Monash Science
T: +61 3 9902 4513 M: +61 435 138 743
Email: silvia.dropulich@monash.edu