PSI develops, builds and operates complex large research facilities. PSI has the world's most powerful muon source, a unique proton and neutron source, an synchrotron of international importance and one of only five X-ray free-electron lasers with hard X-rays in the world. Scientists from all over the world use PSI's large research facilities for their scientific investigations. They are also available to Swiss research and industry for their experiments.
For researchers
Filming a vitamin B12 photoreceptor in action
SwissFEL shows the molecular events that occur when a vitamin B12 photoreceptor absorbs light
Swiss X-ray laser reveals the hidden dance of electrons
New X-ray technique at SwissFEL shows how electrons act together – with the potential to show why quantum information slips so easily away.
Synchronising ultrashort X-ray pulses
Attosecond coherent pulses at SwissFEL will open new experimental possibilities
For researchers
Measuring time at the quantum level
Physicists using the Swiss Light Source SLS have found a way to measure the time involved in quantum events and found it depends on the symmetry of the material.
X-raying auditory ossicles – a new technique reveals structures in record time
Using a bone, PSI researchers have demonstrated how the structures of biological materials can be determined on scales from nanometres to millimetres in a very short time.
Engineering skill and perseverance
Credit for the on-time completion of the major SLS 2.0 upgrade project is due in part to a team of dedicated electrical engineers.
For researchers
Latest News
How hydrogen affects titanium implants
Researchers use Swiss Spallation Neutron Source SINQ to study how medical implants change inside the body.
Predicting component lifetimes in nuclear facilities
For 30 years, experiments have been providing unique insight into how metals and ceramics degrade under high-energy proton bombardment.
Steering magnetic textures with electric fields
Neutrons reveal a new way to control magnetism at the nanoscale
For researchers
Latest News
Important funding for muon research
PSI gets an NCCR: The Muoniverse project will further expand research on the beamlines for elementary particles called muons – at the world’s leading facility for muon beams.
Together for Science with Neutrons, Muons and X-rays
Strategic partnership between research facilities in UK and Switzerland will create new capabilities to address global challenges using neutrons, muons and X-rays.
Kagome breaks the rules at record breaking temperatures
Discovery of quantum phenomenon at accessible temperatures could be useful for quantum technologies.
For researchers
Important funding for muon research
PSI gets an NCCR: The Muoniverse project will further expand research on the beamlines for elementary particles called muons – at the world’s leading facility for muon beams.
New standards in nuclear physics
With unprecedented precision: PSI researchers measure the nuclear radius of muonic helium-3 and put the theories of atomic physics to the test.
„IMPACT is very important in terms of international competition“
Daniela Kiselev talks about the upgrade planned at PSI's proton accelerator facility.
News
“We’re pulling out all the stops”
PSI is increasing the intensity of its muon beams a hundredfold. This opens up entirely new possibilities for physics and materials research.
New standards in nuclear physics
With unprecedented precision: PSI researchers measure the nuclear radius of muonic helium-3 and put the theories of atomic physics to the test.
A tiny golden object from Roman times
PSI’s David Mannes has used neutrons to unravel the mystery of a fascinating archaeological artefact.
Further Facilities
In addition to the Large Research User Facilities, further PSI laboratories are also open to external users.