Scientific Highlights: Research Division "Photon Science"

New, better coronavirus rapid test

Medical Science

The test identifies different virus variants and improves disease prognosis.

20.01.2022

•Future Technologies

•7 min

Towards compact quantum computers, thanks to topology

Materials research

Quantum research

SLS

In pursuit of particularly stable quantum bits, researchers have closely examined the electron distribution in two semiconductors.

17.01.2022

Direct observation of crack formation mechanisms with operando Laser Powder Bed Fusion X-ray radiography

Operando high-speed X-ray radiography experiments reveal the cracking mechanism during 3D laser printing of a Ni superalloy.

22.12.2021

•Future Technologies

•5 min

Semiconductors reach the quantum world

Materials research

Quantum research

SLS

Boosted with superconductivity: Semiconductor technology can get a new twist by exploiting quantum effects in superconductors.

17.12.2021

Priority access call for work on combating COVID-19 continues

On January 30th, 2020, the WHO declared the recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a public health emergency of international concern. It declared that there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the newly identified virus and its possible future evolution as well as to contain the spread; to develop precise diagnostics and treatment, and to improve the public health response and patient care.

The COVID priority access call continues and is still open in 2022.

15.12.2021

Fingerprint of Copper in Peptides Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

In an interdisciplinary project, researchers from the Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology in BIO and the Laboratory for Condensed Matter in PSD have revealed the reaction between the nitrogen atoms of the amyloid-beta peptide and copper/zinc ions by using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

28.10.2021

Overview of SwissFEL dual-photocathode laser capabilities and perspectives for exotic FEL modes

SwissFEL is a compact, high-brilliance, soft and hard X-ray Free Electron Laser (FEL) facility laser composed of two parallel beam lines seeded by a common linear accelerator (LINAC), and a two-bunch photo-injector. For the injector, an innovative dual-photocathode laser scheme has been developed based on state-of-the-art Ytterbium femtosecond laser systems. We just published an overview of the the SwissFEL Photo Cathode Drive Lasers (PCDL) performance, pulse shaping capabilities as well as the versatility of the systems, which allow many different modes of operation of SwissFEL [1]. The full control over the SwissFEL electron bunch properties via the unique architecture of the PCDL will enable in the future the advent of more advanced FEL modes; these modes are, but not restricted to, the generation of single or trains of sub-fs FEL pulses, multi-color FEL and finally the generation of fully coherent X-ray pulses via laser-based seeding.

Spatially resolved likelihood for glycation of collagen

28.10.2021

Glycation of collagen: Quantifying rates

Collagen is abundant in the connective tissue of human beings, e.g. in tendons, ligament and cornea. Glycation of collagen distorts its structure, renders the extracellular matrix stiff and brittle and at the same time lowers the degradation susceptibility thereby preventing renewal. Based on models and with parameters determined from experimental data, we describe the glycation of type 1 collagen in bovine pericardium derived bio-tissues upon incubation in glucose and ribose. We hope that this contributes to a better quantitative understanding of the effects of diabetes on collagen.