Photon Science Research Laboratories

The Photon Science Division (PSD) consists of six laboratories working in Macromolecules and Bio-Imaging (LSB), Condensed Matter (LSC), Micro- and Nanotechnology (LMN), Femtochemistry (LSF), Advanced Photonics (LAP) and Non-linear Optic (LNO) respectively.

The laboratories Macromolecules and Bio-Imaging (LSB), Condensed Matter (LSC), Femtochemistry (LSF) and Advanced Photonics (LAP) are responsible for the beamlines of the Swiss Hard X-ray Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL) and the Swiss Light Source (SLS). They are actively pursuing research covering various aspects of photon science. In addition, PSD scientists are active in education of Master and PhD students, and by teaching at various universities.

The Laboratory for Micro- and Nanotechnology (LMN) is active in nanofabrication and basic research on properties of nanostructures on surfaces. The LMN develops new experimental methods and turns the knowledge into nanofabrication processes.

Laboratory for Macromolecules and Bioimaging (LSB)

We are at the forefront of method and instrumentation developments to render otherwise inaccessible information accessible via X-ray based techniques. In collaborations with Swiss and international scientists we employ these strengths for state-of-the-art research with focus on life and materials science. We are competent partners for academic and industrial users.
For further information, go to Laboratory for Macromolecules and Bioimaging LSB

Laboratory for Condensed Matter and Materials Science (LSC)

The research focusses on condensed matter and materials science using synchrotron radiation. For this we use the whole range of spectroscopy, imaging and diffraction techniques.
For further information, go to Laboratory for Condensed Matter and Materials Science LSC

Laboratory for Femtochemistry (LSF)

We are at the forefront of method and instrumentation development for X-ray and VUV spectroscopy in the temporal and spatial domains to gain novel insights into the elemental composition, the chemical state, and reaction dynamics. In collaborations with Swiss and international scientists, we build upon these strengths to pursue state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research projects. We are competent partners for academic and industrial users.
For further information, go to Laboratory for Femtochemistry LSF

Laboratory for Micro- and Nanotechnology (LMN)

LMN is dedicated to fundamental and applied research with a focus on outstanding nanoscience by exploiting the synergies between advanced micro/nanofabrication and the institute´s large scale facilities, in particular the Swiss Light Source (SLS) as well as on enabling innovations in instrumentation (optics, detectors, diagnostics etc.) for large scale facilities by applying nanotechnology, and on providing advanced micro- and nanofabrication technologies to academic and industrial users, in particular in the area of polymer nanotechnology.
For further information, go to Laboratory for Micro- and Nanotechnology LMN

Advanced Photonics (LAP)

The Laboratory for Advanced Photonics is responsible for the design and realization of novel scheme for Insertion Device, Optics, Photon Diagnostic and Instrumentation for the Swiss Synchrotron Light Source (SLS), and the Swiss X-ray Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL). In collaboration with other divisions of the Paul Scherrer Institut, we coordinate new large photonics projects such as SLS-2 upgrade and SwissFEL-Athos beamline. For further information, go to Laboratory for Advanced Photonics (LAP)

Non-linear Optics (LNO)

The Laboratory for Non-linear Optics (LNO) develops and operates state-of-the-art laser systems for driving the high brightness electron source of the Swiss Hard X-ray Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL), and for pump-probe experiments at the photon science beamlines. These systems are improved and extended according to user requirements. In-house research activities at the Swiss Hard X-ray Free Electron Laser (SwissFEL) and the Swiss Light Source (SLS) beamlines are performed by exploiting LNO’s laser facilities. In addition, R&D is implemented on laser driven electron sources in close collaboration with PSI’s accelerator division. For further information, go to Laboratory for Non-linear Optics (LNO)