Overview of the challenges of the new generation of synchrotron light sources

Abstract
Synchrotron radiation emitted by circulating electron beams is a powerful and versatile source for probing atomic and molecular structure. The scientific activity around synchrotron radiation sources has grown exponentially from the parasitc use of high energy storage rings to the third generation of dedicated synchrotron light sources presently in design, construction, commissioning or early operation stage throughout the world. This new generation of machines raises numerous challenges associated with the requirements for high brilliance and optimum use of the radiation from insertion devices. In this paper, we will discuss the issues of lattice design and dynamic aperture, beam position stability, radio frequency system and current limitations, vacuum and beam lifetime. The example of the ESRF and other machines being recently operated indicates that most of the challenging target performances set to the third generation synchrotron light sources can be successfully met.