Beamlines and applications of the fourth-generation synchrotron radiation light source

With the emergence of fourth-generation synchrotron radiation light sources, significant improvements in X-ray brightness and coherence have led to notable advancements in synchrotron experimental techniques such as spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging. These techniques are capable of probing key information on structure, composition, chemical states, electronic states, and magnetism in complex heterogeneous systems and dynamic processes, playing a critical role in fundamental scientific and applied research. This article aims to evaluate the technical advantages of beamlines at fourth-generation synchrotron radiation light sources, and, with specific examples, to discuss their applications in various physical research areas, as well as current engineering and technical challenges. Through this article, we hope to promote the widespread application of fourth-generation synchrotron light sources across various research fields.