Photon science - Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Particle accelerators generate a special kind of light that can illuminate tiny details of the microcosm. Here at DESY scientists from around the world use this light to investigate the atomic structure and reactions of promising new materials and biomolecules that might one day serve to make groundbreaking new drugs. DESY’s unique spectrum of light sources makes it one of the world’s leading centres for science with photons. The existing and planned light sources complement one another perfectly. Scientists working at DESY therefore have access to exactly the type of radiation they need for their experiments.

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Photon science at DESY

Learn more about the fascinating research at DESY's unique light sources.

Director Photon Science

Prof. Dr. Edgar Weckert

“Since the 1960s, DESY has been one of the pioneers of photon science. Every year more than 2000 scientists from around the world come to Hamburg to use the DESY facilities for their research. The unique range of light sources and pioneering cooperations with national and international partners will guarantee DESY’s position at the very forefront of photon science for years to come.”