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
SμS Call 2022/1 informations
The results of the evaluation of the SμS Call 2022/1 and the beam time schedule will be published mid of March 2022. Resume of HIPA user operation is scheduled to May 2nd, 2022.
Information for SmuS users
If you are not able to come to PSI, please contact the corresponding instrument scientist as early as possible to discuss if and how the experiment could be conducted by the PSI staff members.
15th International Conference on Muon Spin Rotation postponed to 2022
Because of the coronavirus situation, the 15th International Conference on Muon Spin Rotation, Relaxation and Resonance (µSR2020) has been postponed to 2022, Aug 28 - Sep 02.
Information for SµS Users March 2021
Despite some limitations due to the Covid crisis the shutdown works at SµS have proceeded as planned so far, and the µSR instruments will be ready for operation on April 12, when HIPA operation is foreseen. However, as Swiss and foreign travel restrictions apply (https://www.psi.ch/en/useroffice/news/new-coronavirus-recommendations-for-travellers) it is not yet clear how user experiments at SµS will be conducted in the upcoming beam period. We will update information about this on our webpage as soon as possible.
Information for SµS users
Due to the Corona crisis and technical problems the restart of operation of the PSI high intensity proton accelerator (HIPA) has been delayed and is expected earliest for the 27th of July. The pandemic team of PSI approved in-house research at the SµS from this date on. According to today's situation, external/foreign users at the SµS will be allowed as of September 1st.
We have prepared a new experimental schedule that you can find here.