'Dream Microscope' in Cheongju...Expecting Remarkable Advances in Cutting-Edge Core Technologies

Government Selects Cheongju as Site for Synchrotron Radiation Accelerator
Leading Role in Developing Virus Treatments Including COVID-19,
and Advanced Materials for Semiconductors
Absorbing Domestic Accelerator Demand to Prevent Technology Leakage

A bird's-eye view of the synchrotron accelerator to be built in Cheongju-si

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] With the decision to establish the synchrotron radiation accelerator, known as the "microscope of dreams," in Cheongju, a remarkable advancement in South Korea's materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang) technology is anticipated. As competitiveness in cutting-edge fields such as semiconductors, energy, biotechnology, and new drug development is elevated to a new level, it is expected that Korean companies will gain a more advantageous position in the global technology competition.

The synchrotron radiation accelerator is a state-of-the-art facility that analyzes the structure of ultra-fine materials by utilizing "synchrotron radiation," a bright light emitted when electrons are accelerated to nearly the speed of light at 300,000 kilometers per second. This light is 100 times brighter than sunlight, allowing observation of changes in the physical properties of nano-materials, protein structures, and cell division processes. Currently, there are two accelerators in Pohang: a 3rd generation circular and a 4th generation linear accelerator, but due to overwhelming demand, the government has expedited the construction of an additional 4th generation circular accelerator. Unlike the linear accelerator, which emits X-rays of a single wavelength, the circular accelerator emits light of various wavelengths, enabling about 40 experiments to be conducted simultaneously. Additionally, the brightness of the light is more than 100 times greater, allowing the cross-section of a hair to be viewed thousands of times larger and clearer.

Developing Therapeutics by Analyzing Proteins with Synchrotron Radiation Accelerators

▲4th generation synchrotron accelerator.

Major countries overseas secure fundamental technologies in advanced industries such as semiconductors and new drugs through this equipment. For example, Tamiflu, a treatment for the novel influenza that occurred in 2009 and caused over 18,000 deaths, was developed through protein analysis using a synchrotron radiation accelerator. The development of Viagra, a treatment for erectile dysfunction, was also achieved through material property analysis utilizing the synchrotron radiation accelerator. Domestically, POSCO used the synchrotron radiation accelerator to produce steel plates for ships, which laid the foundation for South Korea's strong position in the shipbuilding industry. Recently, the accelerator was used to analyze the cause of defects following smartphone battery explosion incidents.

Demand for the use of synchrotron radiation accelerators continues to surge with the advancement of high-tech industries. Energy companies are applying to use the accelerator to improve the performance of secondary batteries, and researchers aiming to enhance semiconductor performance are submitting applications in large numbers.

Resolving the Threat of Technology Leakage

However, it is difficult to use the accelerator at the desired time. Currently, the demand acceptance rate for one accelerator based on domestic synchrotron radiation accelerator research projects is about 1.4 to 1, and the acceptance rate based on requested experimental time reaches 1.9 to 1. This means that if there are two research projects requiring accelerator use, one of them cannot be conducted on time.

Industry has long complained about difficulties such as waiting about six months to use the accelerator. In urgent situations, some companies use overseas synchrotron radiation accelerators, but this raises concerns about technology leakage abroad. The government’s expedited promotion of the synchrotron radiation accelerator project in response to Japan’s export restrictions last year was based on the judgment to quickly accommodate the overflowing demand domestically and enhance national competitiveness. The Ministry of Science and ICT completed site selection just 46 days after announcing plans to build a new synchrotron radiation accelerator in March.

Ko In-su, director of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, which is conducting the detailed design of the synchrotron radiation accelerator, stated, "The synchrotron radiation accelerator can utilize various types of light such as far-infrared and ultraviolet, and since it uses light that is 100 times brighter than existing accelerators, we expect a remarkable advancement in securing fundamental material technologies." He added, "From an industrial perspective, it is significant that an ecosystem is being created where fundamental technologies can be researched safely without infringement of intellectual property rights."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.