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Institute for Electronic Structure Dynamics

CURE

Compact Ultrafast- X-ray-Source Revolution

The Eurostars project CURE (Compact, Ultrafast-X-ray-source REvolution, project E! 113566) was a collaborative research initiative involving Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and industrial partners, including Fastlite, aimed at developing advanced laser technologies for generating soft X-rays. The project ran from January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2023.

CURE (E! 113566) is a Eurostars-funded collaborative research and innovation project carried out within the EUREKA framework. Eurostars supports international R&D projects led by innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with clear market orientation and commercialization potential. In this context, CURE brings together industrial partners and research institutions to develop, optimize, and validate a compact, laser-driven soft X-ray source tailored for demanding scientific and industrial applications.

Advanced photon-based analytical techniques play a central role in modern materials science, semiconductor manufacturing, nanotechnology, catalysis research, and life sciences. Many of these applications require access to soft X-ray radiation with high photon flux, spectral tunability, and ultrafast pulse duration. While large-scale synchrotron facilities provide exceptional brilliance and stability, access is limited and often not compatible with rapid industrial development cycles or in-house research environments. CURE addresses this technological gap by advancing a laboratory-scale soft X-ray system capable of delivering application-relevant performance with significantly improved accessibility.

At the technical core of CURE is the optimization of laser–plasma-based soft X-ray generation. The project focuses on increasing conversion efficiency from laser energy to soft X-ray emission, enhancing brightness in the relevant spectral range, and improving both short-term (shot-to-shot) and long-term operational stability. Particular attention is given to reproducibility, robustness, and scalability — key requirements for industrial deployment.

Comprehensive diagnostic methodologies are implemented to characterize spectral distribution, photon flux, beam divergence, spatial coherence, and temporal pulse structure. High-resolution spectrometry and calibrated detector systems are used to quantify emission properties and benchmark performance against established reference sources. Experimental investigations are complemented by modeling of plasma formation dynamics, energy coupling mechanisms, and scaling behavior, enabling a deeper understanding of performance-limiting processes and guiding systematic optimization.

HZB contributes its long-standing expertise in radiation source physics, soft X-ray metrology, and quantitative beam diagnostics. Through detailed characterization campaigns and parameter studies, critical operating regimes have been identified and optimized. These efforts have resulted in measurable improvements in source efficiency, brightness, and operational reliability. The validated performance parameters support applications such as nanoscale imaging, spectroscopy, surface analysis, and time-resolved studies of functional materials.

Beyond technical advancements, CURE places strong emphasis on technology transfer and industrial relevance. By aligning development targets with application-driven requirements, the project strengthens the technological readiness level (TRL) of compact soft X-ray systems and facilitates their integration into industrial and laboratory environments. The collaboration between SMEs and research institutions exemplifies the Eurostars mission of accelerating innovation through cross-border partnerships.

By bridging fundamental source physics and application-oriented system design, CURE contributes to expanding access to advanced soft X-ray technology. The project reinforces Europe’s position in photon science and supports the development of compact, high-performance radiation sources that enable both cutting-edge research and industrial innovation.