A climate-neutral century needs better materials.
What happens inside a battery the moment it fails? How do electrons dance across a quantum material?
For over 40 years, Berlin has been a global hub for soft X-ray synchrotron science to solve such pressing questions. With BESSY III, we are building a world-class super-microscope to decode the high-tech materials of the future.
Simply brilliant!
The next generation light source for society
BESSY III is a 4th generation light source that will be a thriving hub for joint discovery. We bring together advanced technology and top experts to solve the world’s biggest challenges. To do so, 3 facts build a unique research and development environment:
Brilliant soft X-rays
A source optimised for the energy range where chemistry happens. It’s the ultimate tool to watch materials action in real-time.
“Gold Standard” for research and industry
Teaming up with Germany’s top measurement experts on site, we offer the reliable, rock-solid data that industry and science need to build the future.
Berlin-Adlershof: the biggest connected Campus in Germany
Based in one of Germany’s top high-tech parks and the vibrant research landscape in Berlin, we bring scientists and companies together to crack complex problems under one roof.
Six questions.
One light source.
A Driver for Germany’s green and digital future
News
BESSY III - Powering Up
A workshop bringing together international soft X-ray experts to shape the scientific future of BESSY III.
View post →A duo for BESSY III light source
Find out more about the key appointments driving the next phase of the BESSY III project.
Read article →Transfer & Innovation
Turning research into reality.
BESSY III will be a fast-lane for commercial innovation, helping industries—from green energy and chipmakers to quantum tech developers—turn tough problems into market-ready solutions. Armed with a unique state-of-the-art metrological platform and business-friendly access, we will provide the gold-standard data companies need to certify and launch tomorrow’s technologies.
From concept to first light
First BESSY III idea sparked
The conceptual journey begins with the initial vision for Germany's next-generation soft X-ray facility.
Pre-Conceptual Design Report
The scientific and technical blueprint published — the case for 4th generation soft X-ray science in Germany.
Science & instrumentation workshops
Community-driven planning defining key beamlines, user requirements, and instrumentation goals.
Conceptual Design Report
Refining technical parameters, accelerator physics, and layout definitions for the facility.
expected National Roadmap for Research Infrastructures in Germany
Review and evaluation within Germany's national research infrastructure prioritisation process.
Begin construction
Groundbreaking on the Berlin-Adlershof materials campus, starting civil engineering works.
The people behind the light.
For inquiries and collaborations,
reach out to our project team at bessy3@helmholtz-berlin.de.
Prof. Dr. Renske van der Veen
Scientific Project Head
Prof. Dr. Andreas Jankowiak
Technical Project Head
Dr. Markus Sauerborn
Project Coordination
Florentine Krawatzek
Communications
Build the instrument
that builds the future.
BESSY III is a project of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, in partnership with PTB, BAM, universities, and industry across Europe.