A synchrotron radiation source includes a beam guidance system for accelerating and storing an electron or positron particle beam on a closed trajectory. In order to generate the synchrotron radiation, the beam guidance system has at least one approximately achromatic mirror magnet being formed of superconducting winding configurations and in which the trajectory is bent through approximately 270.degree.. Further components of the beam guidance system, such as deflecting magnets and focusing magnets do not necessarily need to be constructed from superconducting components. The synchrotron radiation source permits the utilization of all of the advantages of superconductors with the most extensive avoidance of the disadvantages associated therewith, since the application of superconducting components can be restricted to the components specifically constructed for the generation of the synchrotron radiation.