© HZB / J. Sauer
The electron storage ring BESSY II with the coveted light
Please allow around 1.5 hours for your visit.
Program details
Tour of the BESSY II X-ray source
The art of measurement: precision measurement Precision measurements are carried out on nanostructures, thin films, batteries and telescope systems in the laboratory of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). We show you how it's done.
Decoding proteins Proteins are the building blocks of life. Using X-ray light from BESSY II, we can uncover the structures of proteins, develop new active substances to combat diseases, or find out how plastics can be recycled.
How do you crystallise a protein? We crystallise the protein lysozyme. You can observe how fascinating 3D protein crystals grow from a transparent solution. You can also “fish” for protein crystals. Finally, there are frozen marshmallows and gummy bears.
Solve the protein puzzle! How do drugs work in the body? They often bind to proteins. Try it out for yourself: use the model to find out how small molecules bind to a specific protein.
How much DNA is there in a tomato? Extract the genetic information from a tomato and take the test tube home with you. With our instructions, you can also examine other vegetables yourself.
Frosty science! How do you generate really low temperatures? We experiment with liquid nitrogen on the topics of energy conversion, magnetism and superconductivity.
What does light reveal about our materials? Atoms emit light of different colours. Based on their characteristic colour spectrum, we can determine the chemical composition of a sample.
Filtering with the colour fan The various experiments at BESSY II each require light at a very specific wavelength. A monochromator filters out the light in the required wavelength from the broad light spectrum. We show how this works.
Electrons accelerate and emit light! The electrons in BESSY II are always racing around in circles - at almost the speed of light. At various stations, we explain how we generate the brilliant light for research.
Control technology & troubleshooting with the infrared camera We will show you how the control technology at BESSY II works. We will also demonstrate how we can detect poor contacts or overheated components with the infrared camera.
Keeping an eye on the electron beam Our diagnostic instruments are the ‘eyes and ears’ with which we monitor the electron beam in BESSY II. What is the position of the beam? How many electrons are circulating? And what shape does the beam have? These questions are important for the operation of the X-ray source.
Large magnets guide tiny particles Electrons actually move in a straight line, but with the help of strong magnets we force them into a circular path. In doing so, they emit energy in the form of light: the synchrotron radiation. Three different types of magnets are used to operate BESSY II.
What are undolators and wigglers? What are they important for? And what do they have to do with an electron slalom?
Experiments with vacuum What happens to chocolate kisses in a vacuum? What is the Magdeburg hemisphere? Experience exciting experiments and find out why vacuum is important for our experiments at BESSY II.
© HZB / J. Sauer
© HZB / S. Steinbach
© HZB / M. Setzpfandt
© HZB /T. Maelsa
© HZB / J. Sauer
© HZB / J. Sauer
© HZB / J. Sauer
© HZB / J. Sauer
© HZB / J. Sauer
Lecture Hall
Discover the batteries of the future! How can tomorrow's batteries store more energy, charge faster and become more sustainable? Visit our stand to learn about the world of battery research and find out how we use X-ray light to examine materials and develop more powerful batteries.
Understanding catalysis: How green chemitsry can change our everyday lives! Whether shampoo, medicines or plastics: many things are produced with the help of catalysts. These processes are often still energy-intensive and cause emissions. New catalysts and green hydrogen open up more sustainable paths. We show experiments and explain how green chemistry can change our everyday lives.
Nanostructuring chocolate Micro- and nanostructures pave the way for better efficiency in solar cells. Similar like in solar cell fabrication, today, we use stamps to create tiny structures on the surface of chocolate and let them shimmer in all colors of the rainbow.
Stations outside the tour
How important are metadata for science? Find out for yourself: build a LEGO figure based on a vague description and see how difficult it is to work precisely without clear additional information. Try again with detailed information and experience the difference.
BESSY III: a materials discovery machine of the future! BESSY III, one of Europe's most advanced X-ray sources, is being built in Berlin. From the middle of the next decade, it will enable completely new insights into materials, from energy and quantum technologies to sustainable chemistry. Travel with us into the future and discover tomorrow's experiments today!
FemtoSlicing - Ultra-fast spin dynamics How can digital information be processed faster and more energy-efficiently in the future? We are researching how the spin of electrons can be controlled in a targeted manner. We are investigating their dynamics using extremely short flashes of light lasting only a few femtoseconds. Discover with us whether ferro- or antiferromagnetic materials can be switched more efficiently.
School laboratory: Discover the secrets of matter! Magnetism, shape memory effect and more: materials are full of fantastic properties. In exciting hands-on experiments, you will explore what they are made of.
The control room at BESSY II Take a look inside the nerve centre of the accelerator operation.
Superconducting accelerator technologies We are developing new technologies that could be used in next-generation accelerators. In doing so, we are demonstrating physical effects that can be used for superconducting high-frequency accelerator technology. Conduct small experiments!
Making CO2 usable with electrochemistry The concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is rising. In addition to expanding renewable energy, an important approach is to capture CO₂ from the air and use it as a feedstock for new chemicals and fuels. We show how electrochemical reactions can be driven by using renewable energy.
©Adobe_Stock
Outside area in front of BESSY II
Catering Fuel up with delicious food and drinks in front of the Bessy-Building.
How does an electron feel in the storage ring at BESSY II? What path does it take and what obstacles must it overcome? How does it emit light in the process? Complete a small obstacle course and experience the forces acting on electrons at BESSY II.