XFEL: Arts & Science Exhibition at European XFEL

Vibrant images from the micro-world of fundamental research, which reveal themselves upon closer inspection: From August 30th to September 11th, 2023, the CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter Cluster of Excellence at the University of Hamburg will present the exhibition Arts & Science at European XFEL.

The captivating images resemble fossils, interwoven patterns, or wave-like structures, offering a broad spectrum of interpretive possibilities. Visitors can choose to simply appreciate the aesthetic allure of the images or delve deeper into the underlying physics and chemistry through accompanying texts. "We want to invite visitors to discover the artistic and the aesthetic in the natural sciences," says Prof. Dr. Peter Schmelcher, board member in the Cluster of Excellence, and co-founder of the Arts & Science initiative, which began with a first exhibition in 2017.

Over time, the research focus within the cluster has evolved. Initially centered around the ultra-fast movements of molecules and electrons, scientists now emphasize functionalities. As systems grow larger and more complex, the likelihood of new properties emerging increases, such as superconductivity—the ability to conduct electricity without resistance.

The large-format visualizations in the exhibition, based on images submitted by CUI researchers and some of which were created at European XFEL, offer insights into the scientific phenomena explored within the cluster. Photos of state-of-the-art laboratories and light sources complement the visualizations. QR codes lead to videos in which researchers explain their work.

The exhibition was presented in the foyer of Hamburg's City Hall from 4 to 24 April 2023 and is now located on the upper level of the foyer in the main building of European XFEL in Schenefeld until 11 September. It is accessible from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, admission is free of charge.

In the Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter, researchers from Universität Hamburg cooperate with teams from DESY, the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) and the European XFEL.