The core of ALBA is a complex of electron accelerators that reach an energy of 3 GeV and emit synchrotron light, covering a wide range of photon energies, from soft X-rays of a few eV to hard X-rays of 70 keV.

It has fourteen beamlines, eleven in operation, two in commissioning, and one under construction, which receive synchrotron light to visualize the atomic and molecular structure of materials and study its properties. Every year more than 2,500 life sciences and materials science researchers use their advanced technologies, detectors and data infrastructures to make progress in understanding phenomena and developing devices and technologies for an innovative, sustainable, clean and smart economy and a more efficient health system.

The ALBA Synchrotron has started its upgrade project towards the fourth generation, ALBA II, which is in the design and prototyping phase.

Managed by the Consortium for the Construction, Equipping and Exploitation of the Synchrotron Light Source (CELLS), it is funded in equal parts by the Spanish and the Catalonian Administration, in particular by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Department of Research and Universities. It belongs to the Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS) network, that groups large facilities, resources, equipment and services, unique in their kind, which are dedicated to cutting-edge and technological research and development of the highest quality, as well as to promote the transmission, exchange and preservation of knowledge, technology transfer and innovation.

HIstory

ALBA was built in 2010 and is operating with official users since 2012

View more

Mission & Vision

Statements of Action and Strategy Plans

View more