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Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie(Berlin,Germany)
Publish Time:2020-01-12 From: 【Size:S M L

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) was established in 2009 with the merger of two existing research institutes, Hahn-Meitner-Institut (est. 1959) and BESSY GmbH (est.1979). With approximately 1 100 employees, HZB is now one of the largest non-university research centres in Berlin, and a member of the Helmholtz Association. Research at HZB ranges from basic materials science to providing solutions to the global energy challenge, e.g. for energy conversion and storage as well as for efficient energy use. Spectroscopic methods based on soft and tender Xrays are ideally suited for HZB’s research by providing advanced analytical techniques that access the electronic and magnetic properties of matter. BESSY II, the synchrotron radiation source operated by HZB, is optimized for this spectral range and serves the national and the international user community.

At HZB, next generation solar cells based on new materials and innovative device concepts are being explored and up-scaled. This expertise also feeds into the research on photoelectrochemical energy conversion and electrochemical storage. Quantum and functional materials are investigated towards more efficient future information technologies. Theoretical calculations and simulations, spanning from materials up to the full device, complement HZB’s research activities. Soft and tender X-ray synchrotron radiation plays a key role in energy materials science, in particular in providing spectroscopic methods for advanced analytics. HZB’s science-driven infrastructures and CoreLabs such as the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory (EMIL@BESSY II) allow for in-situ, in-system, and operando investigations of materials and processes at all relevant length and time scales. The development of appropriate data management and analysis tools for these infrastructures is thus becoming more and more important.

BESSY II is a world-class third-generation 1.7 GeV storage ring dedicated to the VUV to soft and tender X-rays range. Operation and development of the BESSY II photon source are explicitly aligned with the needs of its national and international multidisciplinary user community. The facility is recognized worldwide as a leader in highresolution spectroscopy, flexible pulse patterns for advanced time-resolved experiments, and innovative instrumentation for in-situ and operando measurements. It is the European radiation standard, being used for metrology purposes by Germany’s National Metrology Institute (PTB). BESSY II is a cornerstone of the Berlin Adlershof Technology Park, Germany's largest science and technology park, which employs almost 20 000 people from more than 1 100 companies and scientific institutions. In addition, Humboldt University institutes located in Adlershof host about 6 400 students. The research facilities at the HZB are under continuous development in response to the needs of HZB researchers and of diverse international user communities. HZB organizes Foresight Workshops in order to systematically involve current and potential users from universities, research institutes, and industry in the development of its facilities and address current and future scientific challenges. Discussion Rounds, User Meetings, a User Committee, and Newsletters are non-exhaustive examples of regular proactive involvement of the research community.

BESSY II Facts & Figures

  • Focus on soft X-rays, range THz to hard X-rays
  • Flexible pulse & time structure, pulse length 1-20ps (slicing beamline ~ 100fs)
  • Beamlines: 46 in operation, 37 in user operation (27 simultaneous use)
  • Users from 32 countries (60% Germany, 30% EU, 10% World)
  • More than 1200 proposals p.a.
  • About 800 beamtime campaigns p.a.
  • More than 500 (verified) publications p.a.
  • More than 3000 user visits p.a.

More information can be found at https://www.helmholtz-berlin.de/index_en.html.

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