About us

Photons allow to investigate the crystalline and electronic structure of matter on different length and time scales in a unique fashion. All major operational German photon sources are organized in the Helmholtz-Society. Furthermore are the Helmholtz-centres leading in the development of Free Electron Lasers (FELs). The sub-program Photons of PNI mostly focuses on the operation and usage of Synchrotrons and FELs - namely ANKA, BESSY II, DORIS III, FLASH and PETRA III. In addition, the European XFEL is currently being constructed, which will offer entirely new research opportunities.

Neutrons provide a unique and non-destructive probe to investigate the structure and dynamics of matter in a wide area of different length and time scales. They are indispensable for the understanding of magnetism, micro-structural investigation of materials of scientific and industrial relevance, as well as soft and biological matter. Scientists from various field ranging from Geo- and environmental scientists to cultural heritage increasingly use the particular characteristics of neutrons interacting with matter. Neutronsources are futhermore utilized for neutron activation analysis, radiography or tomography as well as for the selective production of isotopes or doping of semi-conductors.

Ion beams are essential tools for materials research, in particular for investigation of basic interaction processes as well as applied technologies. Experiments in the fields of atom- and plasma physics use heavy ions for precision tests of quantum electrodynamics (QED) in strong electrical or magnetic fields, for detailed investigation of correlated dynamics in many-body systems in ultra-short and extremely strong electromagnetic filed and for the determination of basis properties of atoms and nuclei. In the filed of plasma physics the focus lies on experiments at high energy density utilizing both intense heavy ion as well as laser beams.