With its unique research opportunities, European XFEL attracts world-class scientists to Schenefeld in the Hamburg metropolitan region. The world's largest X-ray laser opens up areas of research that were previously inaccessible or very difficult to access.
The outstanding properties of the X-ray laser enable researchers, for example, to create films of ultra-fast processes such as chemical reactions or to observe changes in the configuration of biomolecules. The X-ray flashes can as well be used to image atomic details of viruses, decipher the molecular composition of cells, record 3D images of the nanoworld and investigate processes that are similar to those inside planets or stars.
In addition to basic research, European XFEL is particularly focusing on issues relating to the environment and sustainability as well as climate, energy, health and digitalisation. The research facility thus contributes to solving global societal challenges.
Disciplines that benefit from the facility include medicine, pharmacology, chemistry, physics, materials science, nanotechnology, energy technology and electronics. Many scientific disciplines thus benefit from the facility, which inspire each other and thus generate a variety of ideas and results that can lead to new technological applications or improve existing products.