A desktop synchrotron particle accelerator could soon be able to freeze-frame the frenetic motion of atoms and molecules.

The prototype synchrotron design removes the need for the giant accelerators found in today’s synchrotrons. Instead of a conventional ring of magnets and microwave cavities, an international team of physicists used an experimental technology called plasma wakefield acceleration in their prototype. In this process, a powerful laser beam creates waves inside a region of ionised gas, or plasma. Electrons then “surf” these waves to reach the high speeds required.

Synchrotrons are in great demand because their intense X-ray beams have many uses, from analyzing biological molecules to etching electronic components and seeing inside microscopic fossils.