The International Day of Light - Following the success of the International Year of Light in 2015, UNESCO has proposed a day dedicated to the celebration of light and light-related technologies: May 16 will now be The International Day of Light.
SOLEIL is taking part in this event to demonstrate the contribution of the synchrotron light in several fields such as medicine, material physics, earth and environmental sciences etc.
From the Gamma rays to the radio waves, the spectrum of light tells us about our near and distant world: from the origins of the universe to the technologies that shape our lives. The vast theme of light will enable many sectors of society to take an interest in programming the activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art and culture can help reach the values of UNESCO -education, equality and peace.
For what purpose?
- Make the public aware of how light and its related- technologies impact our everyday life and are the step forward to the better social future.
- Create the educational activities for young people.
- Focus on the role of optical technologies in the preservation of cultural heritage and demonstrate the close relationship between art, light and culture.
- Show the importance of fundamental research on light sciences and how it can generate interest in the scientific and technical professions.
- Draw attention to the fact that light applications can play an essential role in obtaining more efficient energy with less waste and pollution.
Why May 16th?
This is the anniversary of the first successful launch of a LASER in 1960 by Théodore Maiman, physicist and engineer. LASER is an ideal example of how a scientific discovery can bring the revolutionary benefits to society in terms of communication, health, energy and many other areas.
At SOLEIL:
SOLEIL is a light source with exceptional properties which are necessary for the scientific and industrial communities: It opens new perspectives to probe matter with exceptional resolution and sensitivity to all types of materials. SOLEIL therefore covers a wide range of basic research needs in physics, chemistry, material sciences, life sciences, earth and atmospheric sciences, as well as many applied researches.
On the occasion of the International Day of Light, the SOLEIL Synchrotron is organizing a special event on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018.
We invite you to visit our facilities, a visit during which you can participate in workshops about different types of light. You can also watch some films about applications of light at SOLEIL, visit in virtual reality 360 ° to view the inaccessible places of the site as well as asking your questions to the staff of SOLEIL while having a drink.
* ATTENTION : the visits are in french.
Free registration with this form.
The visit lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Departure every 30 minutes between 16:30 and 20:30.
Attention: the visit is forbidden to people carrying a pacemaker (presence of powerful magnets) and to children under 10 years. The number of places per time slot of 1 hour 30 is limited to 12 people.
