Beijing’s Huairou Science City will be home to world’s largest high-energy synchrotron radiation light source. The future light source will be a ring-shaped structure that is 700 meters in diameter. It will eventually be a landmark near Yanqi Lake in Beijing.

World's largest light source will be built in Beijing's Huairou Science City. Photo/The Paper.cn

The light source is similar to an X-ray, but with a much higher luminance, which will enable researchers to view even minuscule objects in greater detail. Everything from cells and blood flowing through vessels to the age and wear of an airplane’s wing will be able to be observed with maximum clarity under the light. It will also greatly increase the efficiency of new materials research.

Construction of the light source will begin in 2018, and is expected to be completed by 2024.