© DESY, Science Communication Lab
Globally unique light
People all over the world know Hamburg as a port city. In the world of science, however, Hamburg is primarily known as a location for particle accelerators. The accelerators generate synchrotron light - an ultra-bright X-ray light that allows researchers to look deep into materials and biological structures. This makes the research facilities magnets for cutting-edge research. Every year, DESY's particle accelerators PETRA III, FLASH and the jointly operated European XFEL attract thousands of researchers from all over the world.
The PETRA III ring accelerator is now to be extensively modernized. Thanks to a new, revolutionary storage ring technology and the ring circumference of 2300 meters, PETRA IV will be the brightest X-ray light source in the world for decades to come after the conversion. This will enable a multitude of completely new scientific investigations - which can then only be carried out on the research campus in Science City. A global competitive advantage for Hamburg as a science location!
Accelerate innovation with PETRA IV
The improved system aims to uncover the previously invisible: Doctors want to clarify how Alzheimer's develops and develop a cure. Materials researchers are looking for defects in batteries or solar cells in order to improve them. The research industry wants rapid quality control of its microchips so that Europe's semiconductor industry can become more competitive in the long term.
Preparatory measures are currently underway at DESY for PETRA IV. Various teams of researchers, engineers and technicians are building prototypes for the new accelerators or beamlines. At the same time, simplified access to the facilities with AI-supported services is being developed in order to attract new user groups. Up to 20 percent of measuring times could later be reserved for projects with industry. In 2032, the brilliant X-ray light is set to light up for the first time at PETRA IV .
© DESY, Science Communication Lab
