LMU: Laboratory for Muon Spin Spectroscopy
Department of the PSI Division Research with Neutrons and Muons, NUM
The Laboratory for Muon Spin Spectroscopy (LMU) at the Paul Scherrer Institute is responsible for the scientific exploitation, operation and development of muon-spin spectroscopy instruments at the Swiss Muon Source (SµS). The team of about 20 senior scientists, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students is involved on diverse research projects ranging from modern topics in condensed matter physics and materials science to energy research and chemistry.
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The technique "µSR" - Muon Spin Rotation, Relaxation or Resonance: A research tool using muons as sensitive local magnetic probes in matter.
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- Worldwide unique instruments:
The Low-Energy Muon (LEM) beam and µSR Spectrometer for the study of thin films, layers and surfaces;
the high-field instrument (HAL-9500) equipped with specially designed detectors to perform studies in fields up to 9.5 Tesla and at very low temperatures;
and the combination of very-high pressures (up to 2.8 GPa) combined with sub-Kelvin temperatures (GPD).
- The 1st call (I/2024) for the year 2024 is now open.
- Note: Allocation period: June 2024 - September 2024.
Latest News
Scientific Highlights
Japanese – Swiss BRIDGE Workshop at PSI
BRIDGE stands for Bridging Research Innovations in Diverse muon and neutron science by GEneral collaboration between Japan and Switzerland. After a first remote edition of this new workshop series in 2022, an in-person BRIDGE workshop took place at PSI, October 18-20, 2023.
Bronze Age arrowhead is made of meteoritic iron
With the help of muons, PSI researchers were able to determine the origin of the material used for an arrowhead.
A two-part upgrade for the proton accelerator
A two-part upgrade is planned for HIPA starting in 2025. Preparations are already under way.
Hercules and batteries, X-rayed
Developments of the MIXE technique at PSI
With muons, PSI researchers can examine objects non-destructively. This helps in archaeology and battery development.
μSR2020 conference update
The long delayed MuSR2020 conference will run from Monday 29th August to Friday 2nd September, 2022. An in-person meeting is planned, which will be held at the Science and Technology Campus, University of Parma. Invited speakers include Bruce Gaulin, Giacomo Ghiringhelli, Reizo Kato, Ioan Pop, Jorge Quintanilla, Roberta Sessoli, Martin Wilkening and Reiner Zorn