
Laboratory for Synchrotron Radiation and Femtochemistry
Mission
We develop and apply x-ray-based tools to solve scientific and technological questions in chemical research and related fields. Our world-leading instruments allow us to extract electronic and structural information from complex systems and to follow chemical processes from the initial electronic excitation to reaction mechanisms under operando conditions. We collaborate with Swiss and international scientists to advance academic and industrial research.
Scientific Highlights
Quality control of future transistors: Tackling the challenge of looking at atoms buried in silicon without moving them
Tackling the challenge of looking at atoms buried in silicon without moving them
Comment les «footballènes» se forment dans l’espace
Une équipe internationale de recherche montre comment les fullerènes se forment dans l’espace.
A star is born
Swiss Light Source SLS reveals complex chemistry inside ‘stellar nurseries’
3,1 millions de subventions pour de nouveaux projets de recherche au PSI
Zurab Guguchia et Kirsten Schnorr, tous deux chercheurs au PSI, reçoivent du Fonds national suisse des subsides de recherche d’un montant total de 3,1 millions de francs pour leurs projets tournés vers l’avenir.
Tracking chemical bond changes with element selectivity and in real time
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy probes the chemical environment in a molecule at a specific atomic site. Now the concept is extended with a site selective trigger to follow chemical bond changes as they occur on the femtosecond time scale.
PSI researcher Patrick Hemberger honored in the Rising Stars special issue in Energy & Fuels
To celebrate contributions of highly influential early and mid-career researchers in energy research, the journal Energy & Fuels established an annual recognition of Energy and Fuels Rising Stars.
Finding Ketenes in the Methanol to Olefins Process
How are the first olefins formed in the early stages of the methanol-to-olefins process? Detection of two reactive ketene species solves this long-standing puzzle.
The chemical complex that regulates body zinc storage
Zinc deficiency compromises the immune system and is a global public health problem. Through experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS and BESSYII, researchers gained new insights into zinc storage, with implications for understanding COVID-19 severity.
Reaction insights help make sustainable liquid fuels
Methanol made from CO2 in the air can be transformed into carbon neutral fuels. New mechanistic understanding aids development of this sustainable alternative.