SASKATOON, Sask. — Innovation Saskatchewan is committing $3 million through the Innovation & Science Fund (ISF) to support a major technology upgrade at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
The funding will support the installation of a state-of-the-art solid-state amplifier (SSA), an essential component of the particle accelerator at the heart of the CLS, powering all 22 synchrotron beamlines.
According to Innovation Saskatchewan, the upgrade will enhance the facility's performance, reliability and energy efficiency, strengthening the advanced research capabilities that researchers and industry rely on to drive innovation and discovery.
As Canada's only synchrotron, the Canadian Light Source is a vital national research facility that brings together researchers, industry and institutions from across Canada and around the world, says Innovation Saskatchewan. Its specialized tools allow scientists to examine materials at the atomic level, helping solve complex challenges, advance new technologies and create economic opportunities across sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy and health.
Recent projects at the CLS have focused on increasing the value of Saskatchewan-grown crops, advancing precision agriculture, developing more sustainable construction materials and supporting technologies that could strengthen Canada's nuclear energy sector.
"The new solid-state amplifier will boost our facility's reliability and performance, giving researchers and industry partners improved tools to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions across many sectors," Interim CEO of CLS Ingrid Pickering said.
"The CLS at the University of Saskatchewan is a shining example of how Saskatchewan is shaping global discovery," USask President Vince Bruni-Bossio said.
"This investment from Innovation Saskatchewan will give researchers and industry partners stronger tools needed to spark new ideas and create valuable solutions that will have lasting impacts on Saskatchewan and around the world."
For information on the ISF program, visit: innovationsask.ca/programs/isf.
