Synchrotron radiation sources: toolboxes for quantum technologies
A special look at the BESSY II experimental hall. © Volker Mai/HZB
The new edition of the Hitchhiker's Guide to synchrotron and FEL light sources for quantum technology has just been published, in print and online. © Anna Makarova/HZB
Synchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has now published an overview on synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs.
In quantum technologies, quantum physical principles such as superposition, interference and entanglement play a decisive role in their function. Components in quantum technology can perform calculations orders of magnitude more efficiently and encrypt information (quantum computing) or deliver unprecedented measurement accuracy in sensors. However, developing such components for practical use remains challenging because quantum systems are inherently sensitive to environmental disturbances, making precise control under normal conditions difficult. To make progress in this area and identify sources of error, it is essential that the materials and devices are thoroughly characterised and better understood.
Synchrotron and FEL radiation sources provide an ideal toolkit for this purpose. The available methods include non-destructive imaging, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, spectromicroscopy and investigations of electronic and magnetic nanostructures.
A team from HZB has written this overview together with colleagues from universities and other European synchrotron radiation sources.
Note:
The "Hitchhiker's Guide" to synchrotron and FEL light sources for quantum technology has been now printed and is available online ( www.helmholtz-berlin.de/srforqt ).
This brochure briefly introduces key methods and applications while offering a detailed directory of European experimental stations particularly suited for research in quantum technologies along with access modes and contacts.
"Hitchhiker's Guide" to synchrotron and FEL light sources for quantum technology
Anna Makarova, Oliver Rader, Kristiaan Temst, Jean Daillant (eds.)
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- New technique could make MRI more preciseA team of researchers at the University of Stuttgart and HZB has developed a new method that could make MRI even more precise by eliminating “dead time,” a key limiting factor in the measurement process, thereby enabling the detection of signals that are lost using conventional methods. This method opens up new possibilities for medical diagnostics and non-destructive materials testing. The research team presents the new approach in Science Advances.
- Marcel Risch has been appointed Professor at the Freie Universität BerlinMarcel Risch was appointed to a W2-S professorship in the Department of Physics at Freie Universität Berlin in August 2026. His research group has been transformed into the department 'Mechanisms of Sustainable Electrocatalysis'. Risch investigates the fundamental mechanisms of electrocatalytic reactions and, on this basis, develops knowledge- and data-driven strategies to improve electrocatalysts for the sustainable production of hydrogen, fuels and chemicals.