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Nobelpreis trifft PSI-Forschung
Nobelpreis für ein PSI-Forschungsfeld: Der diesjährige Medizinnobelpreis würdigt die Optogenetik: Die Methode nutzt Licht, um Vorgänge in Zellen gezielt zu steuern. Forschende am PSI treiben das Feld weiter voran.
Measurement of the neutron incoherent scattering length of 199Hg using stored ultracold neutrons
Physical Review C Editor's suggestion: In this study, the nEDM Collaboration, with the experiment based at the Paul Scherrer Institute, directly investigates this subtle neutron-mercury interaction. The results provide a precise characterization of an important systematic effect, improving the control of a key source of uncertainty in EDM measurements.
A B.B. King recording brings PSI scientists and tape preservation experts together to rethink magnetic tape degradation
PSI researchers have shown that several apparently different forms of magnetic tape degradation share the same underlying chemical origin but fail for different microscopic reasons – resolving a preservation puzzle first raised by an unplayable B.B. King recording from the Claude Nobs Collection of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Pyrochlore Artificial Spin Ice: Advances in Fabrication and Characterization of a 3D Magnetic Metamaterial
Artificial spin ices are magnetic metamaterials consisting of arrays of magnetically coupled nanoscale magnets arranged in various geometries. They display ...
Quality over energy in X-ray production
High-quality electron beams pave the way for more compact and affordable X-ray free-electron lasers.
Launch of the Max Planck-Korea-PSI Center for Quantum Emergent Spintronics
An international research partnership uniting leading institutions from Germany, Korea and Switzerland to advance the frontiers of quantum spintronics
Novel Particle Beam Could Challenge Einstein’s Theory of Gravity
An intense, cold beam of muonium will allow researchers to test the universality of free fall.
Joint Initiatives Final Event 2026
Joint Initiatives Final Event 2026
After three years of collaboration, the ten Joint Initiatives came together to share their results, experiences and lessons learned. The Final Event showcased what can be achieved when institutions, disciplines and partners work together to address complex societal challenges.
Aknur Karabay wins poster award at XRM 2026
Aknur Karabay receives the XRM 2026 poster award in Campinas, Brazil.
Competing Ordering Modes in the Distorted Quantum Kagome Material Clinoatacamite Cu2Cl(OH)3
We have studied the magnetic properties of clinoatacamite Cu2Cl(OH)3, the parent compound of the quantum spin liquid candidate herbertsmithite and a long-standing puzzle among frustrated quantum magnets ...
Switching chiral phonons with electricity
Scientists at PSI show that an electric field can reverse the handedness of atomic vibrations known as chiral phonons.
Prestigious research grant for spin-quantum combination
From two to one: Giacomo Sala is combining two separate worlds of physics at PSI – the established field of spintronics and the emerging field of quantum geometry. The ERC is funding his highly innovative project with approximately CHF 2.2 million. It could pave the way for more efficient data storage.
Noncollinear kagome magnet driven by giant antisymmetric exchange
Kagome lattices host exotic phenomena such as quantum spin liquids, topological Weyl nodes, and flat bands. The kagome ferromagnet Co3Sn2S2 has been a focus of debate due to conflicting reports on its magnetic character. Here, using weakly perturbative probes ...
Enhanced Spin-Reorientation Transition and Polarization in DyFeO3 Thin Films
Materials with a kagome lattice host exotic quantum phenomena driven by the interplay between band topology, spin–orbit coupling, magnetism, and electronic correlations. While the magnetism of kagome materials ...
A step closer to net-zero aviation
Aviation Fuel from green Methanol has achieved ASTM certification, an important milestone for its use in commercial aviation.
A surprising twist in the quantum world
An effect known from ball sports also appears in interactions of light and matter. Researchers at PSI have now directly observed this optical phenomenon for the first time.
Unconventional Superconductivity in ScIr2 Chiral Crystal With a Kagome Lattice
Materials with a kagome lattice host exotic quantum phenomena driven by the interplay between band topology, spin–orbit coupling, magnetism, and electronic correlations. While the magnetism of kagome materials ...
First positrons for the Future Circular Collider
At Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, positrons have been successfully produced at a test source for CERN’s proposed next-generation particle collider.
Pressure-invariant isotope effect as evidence for electronically driven intertwined order in Pr4Ni3O10
We report muon-spin rotation measurements of the pressure dependence of the oxygen-isotope (16O / 18O) effect on the spin-density wave (SDW) transition in the trilayer Ruddlesden-Popper nickelate Pr4Ni3O10. At ambient pressure ...
Demonstration plant for sustainable aviation fuel inaugurated
On August 20, the inauguration ceremony for a new plant on the PSI campus took place. Here the production of sustainable aviation fuel is being tested: synthetic kerosene produced in an exceptionally efficient way.
How the “unicorn of the seas” got its helix
Synchrotron light reveals for the first time how the spiral form of the narwhal tusk is created by the arrangement of nanometre-sized building blocks.
Supersampled Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy
Researchers from a Swiss-German collaboration have developed a new method for scanning transmission X-ray microscopy substantially reducing the impact of mechanical vibrations and imaging overheads, allowing for routine high-resolution imaging experiments
SDSC and PSI teams jointly explore the AI potential of large-scale infrastructures
Villigen, July 8th, 2026 – To help activate a strategic community around its evolution as a national research infrastructure in data science and AI, the Swiss Data Science Center (SDCS) held a bespoke workshop at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). The event brought together over 30 researchers and data scientists to explore how machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) can optimize and accelerate analysis on PSI's large-scale scientific infrastructures. The day featured substantive knowledge exchange and the development of flagship project concepts, aimed at ensuring that ML/AI can empower this vital Swiss facility to advance data-driven science and innovation for the benefit of society.
A window on a cold quantum world
At SwissFEL, scientists get a rare glimpse into the quantum states that emerge at extremely low temperatures.
What a dry meteorite tells us about water on Mars
Neutron and X-ray tomography show where water is bound inside a Martian meteorite – offering new insights into the early history of Mars.
μSR study of time-reversal symmetry constraints and bulk superfluid response in Li0.95FeAs
We report zero-field (ZF) and transverse-field (TF) muon-spin rotation/relaxation (μSR) measurements on superconducting Li0.95FeAs (Tc ≃ 16.0 K) grown by a high-pressure self-flux method. The ZF-μSR data show ...
Multiple magnetic transitions in the trilayer nickelate Pr4Ni3O10 revealed by muon-spin rotation
A muon-spin rotation/relaxation (µSR) study of the trilayer Ruddlesden–Popper nickelate Pr4Ni3O10 was performed at ambient pressure and under hydrostatic pressure up to 2.2 GPa. Three magnetic transitions were identified ...
Structural characterisation of emerging functional materials: when you need muons and neutrons from across Europe to build a full picture
Researchers from Durham University and colleagues from Rutgers (The State University of New Jersey) and the University of Edinburgh have collaborated with teams from ISIS, the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) and the PSI Center for Neutron and Muon Sciences to carry out a full characterisation of the double perovskite Pb2MgReO6.
Polarization contrast neutron imaging enables operando visualization of iron plating in redox flow batteries
Visualizing multiphase (solid–liquid–gas) electrochemical transformations during operation is essential to advancing sustainable energy storage technologies. All-iron redox flow batteries represent a promising candidate ...
Unraveling spin density wave order in layered nickelates La3Ni2O7 and La2PrNi2O7 via neutron diffraction
The observation of pressure-induced superconductivity in two- and three-layer Ruddlesden-Popper nickelates has spurred ...
Confined Room-Temperature Ferromagnetism in Kagome (Fe3Sn2/CoSn) Superlattices
We reveal the presence of robust ferromagnetism in topological kagome (Fe3Sn2/CoSn)×n superlattices via polarized neutron reflectivity (PNR) and magnetization measurements. Using molecular beam epitaxy ...
Checking the biggest EV myths against science
Electric cars are transforming mobility worldwide. However, many questions and misconceptions surround their environmental impact and everyday usability. Taking a closer look at the scientific facts reveals their strengths and weaknesses.
Neutrons don’t disappear into the mirror world
Do mirror particles exist for all elementary particles? PSI researchers have succeeded in largely ruling out this hypothesis in particle physics – with unprecedented experimental precision.
Impact of disorder on microscopic superconducting and normal-state responses in a Kagome metal
In K(V0.93Ta0.07)3Sb5, Ta substitution suppresses charge order while nearly doubling superconducting transition temperature Tc. Pronounced diffuse scattering reveals a highly disordered charge-ordered state. We investigated the impact ...
“We are responsible for one another”
From chemistry to the PSI fire brigade and the Samaritan movement: how Hanke Nobbenhuis saves lives and trains others to do the same.
Combating cancer growth
Researchers at PSI and the University of Zurich have determined the mechanism behind an important signalling protein that spins out of control in certain types of cancer. This paves the way for new approaches to cancer treatment.
When Two Metals Become One
Using synchrotron X-rays and advanced simulations, we reveal how metals mix—and why defects form.
34th international workshop on VERTEX detectors in Switzerland
The 34th International Workshop on Vertex Detectors is organised jointly by PSI, UZH and ETHZ in Stoos, Switzerland.
Fertiliser from the neighbourhood
A PSI study shows where small plants could produce ammonia for fertiliser in a low-carbon way in the future.
Desert dust in Europe is increasing
Researchers at PSI have determined how much dust from the desert makes its way to different regions of Europe. They have found that it is increasing.
A world-first lens brings neutrons into sharper focus
From thick samples to processes inside bulky equipment, a new type of lens opens the door to high-resolution neutron imaging of working systems.
Nano-insights into bone stability
PSI researchers have used a new imaging technique to more precisely assess the nanostructure of bone in the neck of the femur. This could help understand why they fracture relatively often.
The PSI Education Center: Expertise for all of Switzerland
Research data management, programming languages, radiation protection – the PSI Education Center offers a wide range of courses.
Quantum material under pressure
High pressure enhances superconductivity in a quantum material and alters its properties. PSI researchers have uncovered the microscopic mechanism behind this effect.
Thermodynamic Evidence for Pressure-Driven Evolution towards Weak-Coupling Superconductivity in Pb
The thermodynamic critical field Bc provides direct access to the superconducting condensation energy, yet its pressure dependence has been studied much less extensively than that of the transition temperature. Here, muon-spin-rotation relaxation measurements ...
Good things come in threes - Nitrous oxide decomposition on Rh-Ce-Co oxide
ME-XAS reveals a synergic function between Rh oxide species and Co3O4 mediated by Ce that catalyses low temperature N2O decomposition.
Combination of searches for heavy vector boson resonances in proton-proton collisions at √s = 13 TeV
Demand for denser, lower-power data storage keeps rising, yet the metallic magnets behind most memory technologies dissipate energy through electrical currents. Magneto-electric insulators on the other hand offer an alternative...
METAS strengthens neutron metrology with PSI as designated institute
PSI is now part of the national measurement base and contributes to strengthening Switzerland’s quality infrastructure.