Highlights - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | | 2021 | <=2020 | All | |
| Press Releases | | News | All |
Milestone for laser technology: demonstration of a free-electron laser driven by plasma accelerated electron beams
Press Release of 09.12.2022
Extremely intense light pulses generated by free-electron lasers (FELs) are versatile tools in research. Particularly in the X-ray range, they can be deployed to analyze the details of atomic structures of a wide variety of materials and to follow fundamental ultrafast processes with great precision. Until now, FELs such as the European XFEL in Germany are based on conventional electron accelerators, which make them long and expensive. An international team led by Synchrotron SOLEIL, France, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany, has now achieved a breakthrough on the way to an affordable alternative solution: they were able to demonstrate seeded FEL lasing in the ultraviolet regime based on a still young technology – laser-plasma acceleration. In the future, this might allow to build more compact systems, which would considerably expand the possible applications of FELs. The research collaboration presents their results in the journal Nature Photonics (DOI: 10.1038/s41566-022-01104-w).
Rolling dice to gain insights into planets and stars
Press Release of 15.11.2022
Finding out the properties of quantum systems that are made of many interacting particles is still a huge challenge. While the underlying mathematical equations are long known, they are too complex to be solved in practice. Breaking that barrier most probably would lead to a plethora of new findings and applications in physics, chemistry and the material sciences. Researchers at the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) have now taken a major step forward by describing so-called warm dense hydrogen – hydrogen under extreme conditions like high pressures – as accurately as never before. The scientists’ approach, based on a method that puts random numbers to use, can for the first time solve the fundamental quantum dynamics of the electrons when many hydrogen atoms interact under conditions usually found in planet interiors or fusion reactors (Physical Review Letters, DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.066402).
HZDR and Heyrovský Institute intensify cooperation
Press Release of 14.11.2022
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry (JH-INST) in Prague want to expand their existing cooperation by founding a joint laboratory and a training center for 2D materials. On November 14, 2022, the scientific directors of the two institutions, Prof. Sebastian M. Schmidt and Prof. Martin Hof, signed an addendum to the existing memorandum of understanding from October 2019. At an accompanying two-day meeting, physicists from Dresden and the Czech Republic want to explore possible joint projects.
Our path to brain-inspired computing: HZDR team prepares neuromorphic component for industrial use
Press Release of 10.11.2022
Many technical systems rely heavily on automatic pattern recognition, as for example autonomous driving. Currently, this is done by software that runs on traditional computer systems. Yet this solution is energy-hungry and cannot be scaled down as needed. Neuromorphic chips are about to change that, as they will be able to recognize patterns on their own, not unlike our brains, using only a fraction of the energy required by conventional systems. Katrin and Helmut Schultheiss from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) have found an innovative approach to this new technology. In partnership with an international research group, they have launched the EU-funded project NIMFEIA to develop a prototype for industrial production.
Muse Creative Award for HZDR image film
Highlight of 07.11.2022
The English-language version of the HZDR image film "A journey into the realm of knowledge" was awarded this year's Muse Creative Award, Season 2, Gold in the category "Video - Corporate": https://museaward.com/winner-info.php?id=224081.
Metamaterial for the terahertz age: Tailored quantum materials as a high-efficiency frequency booster
Press Release of 02.11.2022
An international research team, comprising scientists from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and JMU Würzburg, has found a way of generating terahertz radiation by frequency conversion much more efficiently than with previous technologies. A specially constructed quantum materials system acts as a high-efficiency frequency booster. As the authors reported in the journal “Light: science & applications”, potential applications stretch as far as sixth generation mobile communications (6G) (DOI: 10.1038/s41377-022-01008-y).
Nanoelectronics for Immunotherapies: HZDR Cancer Researcher Receives ERC Consolidator Grant
Press Release of 19.10.2022
Approximately thirty thousand people die every day from cancer worldwide. What is known as “immunotherapy” is increasingly becoming the scientific focus in the fight against the disease. Together with her team, Dr. Larysa Baraban, physicist at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) is researching a chip that should ultimately make it possible to develop customized cancer immunotherapies. Her efforts are funded by the European Research Council (ERC) for five years through an ERC Consolidator Grant totaling nearly two million euros.
International ambassadors for worldwide collaborations of the HZDR
Press Release of 10.10.2022
Twelve foreign scientists who have completed their doctorates or conducted research at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) for a period of time and are now working in Finland, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Iceland, Japan, or Mexico are visiting the HZDR this week for an international alumni week. The intensive innovation and exchange program aims to initiate collaborations with companies and scientific institutions around the world. The HZDR intends to internationalize its alumni network with the HZDR-TrAIN project funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). In addition, former employees from abroad who are now working all over the world are brought together in the HZDR Innovators Club as experts in knowledge and technology transfer.
Optimized pandemic testing strategies for retirement homes
Press Release of 04.10.2022
The Where2Test team's third web application provides retirement and nursing homes with a scientific basis for devising a testing strategy in times of pandemic. Taking various factors into account, the app suggests daily testing of individual groups of residents at set intervals of two to several days. The recommended strategy aims to detect a disease outbreak in the shortest time possible without overwhelming nursing staff with testing duties. The coronavirus pandemic has shown that day-to-day patient care can suffer as a result of demanding testing efforts. The application was developed by the Where2Test team at the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). In the process, the group drew on the expertise of care facility managers. The app, funded by the Free State of Saxony, has an online presence at www.where2test.de.
A closer look at hidden interactions: New BMBF young investigator group sheds light on technetium
Press Release of 14.09.2022
With a half-life of about 210,000 years, the radioactive isotope technetium-99 (99Tc), which is produced in nuclear reactors by fission of the uranium isotope 235U, plays a central role in the question of safe final disposal of radioactive materials. Nevertheless, it is still largely unclear how technetium behaves in the environment after release. A new young investigator group called "TecRad" led by Dr. Natalia Mayordomo Herranz of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) now aims to close this gap with a variety of advanced methods. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding the project with 1.87 million euros over the next five years.
Building scaffolds using exotic elements: Research team succeeds in creating novel metal-organic frameworks
Press Release of 09.09.2022
Discovered 25 years ago, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) quickly gained the aura of a “miracle material” due to their particular properties: their large inner surfaces and tuneable pore sizes facilitate improved applications, for example in materials separation and gas storage. While previous representatives were mainly based on transition metals like copper and zinc, a team at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has explored more exotic parts of the periodic table: they investigated analogous compounds with actinides as the inorganic component. In this way, they are helping, among other things, to promote the safe disposal of radioactive materials.
A recycling hub for materials research: The EU project ReMade@ARI starts on September 1st under the coordination of the HZDR
Press Release of 26.08.2022
According to the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan, the industry can determine up to 80 percent of a product's subsequent environmental impact at the design phase. However, the linear manufacturing pattern offers few incentives to make products more sustainable. The research infrastructure project ReMade@ARI, which deals with innovative materials for key components in various areas such as electronics, packaging or textiles, wants to change this: The goal is to develop new materials with high recyclability and at the same time competitive functionalities. To this end, the institutions involved want to harness the potential of more than 50 analytical research infrastructures throughout Europe under the coordination of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR).
Mit Ionenstrahlen zu Hightech-Materialien: Projekt zur kontrollierten Galliumoxid-Fertigung gestartet
Press Release of 13.07.2022
Der Halbleiter Galliumoxid ist ein aussichtsreicher Kandidat für einen möglichen Einsatz in der Leistungselektronik. Eine industriell nutzbare Technologie zur kontrollierten Herstellung des Materials ist jedoch noch nicht in Sicht. Das liegt vor allem an seiner Fülle an möglichen Kristallstrukturen, die gleichzeitig nebeneinander vorkommen können und die sich in ihren für die Halbleiterindustrie relevanten Eigenschaften zum Teil deutlich voneinander unterscheiden. Diesem Problem widmet sich nun das mit 1,3 Millionen Euro geförderte Projekt GoFIB, ein Zusammenschluss von Forschenden des Helmholtz-Zentrums Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), der Universität Oslo und der Universität Helsinki.
Polish-German partnership is filled with life at conference in Wrocław
Press Release of 08.07.2022
Following the 2021 memorandum of understanding between the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the University of Wrocław (UWr), the partnership between researchers in Saxony and Wrocław is strengthened with CASUSCON, a new conference aimed at identifying areas of future cooperation. The inaugural event takes place from July 11 to 14, 2022 in Wrocław. There, researchers from the HZDR, in particular from its Görlitz-based Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS), will meet colleagues from different research institutions in Wrocław, namely from the University of Wrocław, the Wrocław Medical University, the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften – HZDR präsentiert sich mit breitem Spektrum der Forschung
Press Release of 05.07.2022
Wenn am 8. Juli 2022, 17 Uhr, die Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften startet, werden auch rund 100 Wissenschaftler*innen des Helmholtz-Zentrums Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) Einblicke in ihre Forschungsprojekte gewähren. Insgesamt hat das HZDR neun Vorträge und 19 Exponate vorbereitet. Zu finden sind die HZDR-Forschenden in der Wissenschaftsnacht im Hörsaalzentrum der TU Dresden, im Untertagelabor im Dresdner Felsenkeller, im Nationalen Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen (NCT) und im Nationalen Zentrum für Strahlenforschung in der Onkologie (OncoRay). Thematisch umfassen die einzelnen Programmpunkte beispielhaft das Leistungsspektrum des HZDR auf den Gebieten von Energie, Gesundheit und Materie.
Advocating a new paradigm for electron simulations
Press Release of 01.07.2022
Although most fundamental mathematical equations that describe electronic structures are long known, they are too complex to be solved in practice. This has hampered progress in physics, chemistry and the material sciences. Thanks to modern high-performance computing clusters and the establishment of the simulation method density functional theory (DFT), researchers were able to change this situation. However, even with these tools the modelled processes are in many cases still drastically simplified. Now, physicists at the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) and the Institute of Radiation Physics at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) succeeded in significantly improving the DFT method. This opens up new possibilities for experiments with ultra-high intensity lasers, as the group explains in the Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation (DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00012).
Samstag ist Oldtimer-Tag
Highlight of 29.06.2022
Am 2. Juli 2022 gegen 14:30 Uhr werden die Teilnehmer*innen der Campus Classics den Rossendorfer Campus des HZDR erreichen.
ProtOnART – a new consortium for proton online adaptive radiation therapy
Press Release of 27.06.2022
A new consortium for the advancement of Proton Online Adaptive Radiation Therapy, ProtOnART, uniquely brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry. The members of the ProtOnART consortium are OncoRay in Dresden, Germany, and PARTICLE in Leuven, Belgium, both combining academic expertise with clinical experience in proton therapy, as well as industrial partners Ion Beam Applications (IBA), proton therapy system manufacturer from Belgium, and RaySearch Laboratories, provider of oncology software solutions from Sweden.
Solidarität mit Menschen aus der Ukraine: HZDR ermöglicht vertriebener Wissenschaftlerin Neustart
Press Release of 23.06.2022
Im März musste Inna Iarmosh gemeinsam mit ihrer Tochter und ihrer Mutter ihre Heimat Kiew verlassen. Ab 1. Juli wird die junge Wissenschaftlerin nun die Arbeit an ihrer in Kiew begonnenen Promotion für ein Jahr am Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) fortsetzen – unterstützt durch ein Stipendium der Volkswagenstiftung.
HZDR im Gespräch mit Landtags- und Bundestagsabgeordneten
Highlight of 17.06.2022
Bundestags- und Landtagsabgeordnete besuchten in dieser Woche das HZDR, um sich über verschiedene Forschungsschwerpunkte zu informieren.
Schülerlabor DeltaX feiert 11-jährige Erfolgsgeschichte und vergibt erstmals HZDR-Lehrkräfte-Preis
Press Release of 13.06.2022
Gestartet ist das Schülerlabor am Helmholtz- Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) im Sommer 2011 in einem kleinen Seminarraum, über die Jahre hat es sich zum modernen Multifunktionslabor entwickelt. Inzwischen ist DeltaX überregional etabliert. Mehr als 27.000 Schüler*innen und über 1.000 Lehrkräfte haben seit der Gründung das Schülerlabor kennen und schätzen gelernt. Neben den zahlreichen Programmen vor Ort bietet DeltaX auch ein umfangreiches Programm an Online-Experimentierkursen an. Grund genug also für eine Geburtstagsfeier, bei der auch erstmals der HZDR-Lehrkräfte-Preis verliehen wurde.
Forschung, die bei der Industrie gut ankommt
Highlight of 02.06.2022
Halbzeit und Evaluierung: Die drei Helmholtz Innovation Labs am HZDR betreiben seit 2020 anwendungsorientierte Forschung in enger Zusammenarbeit mit Unternehmen. Bei der Halbzeitbewertung Ende Mai hat die Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft die bisherigen Aktivitäten des BlitzLabs sowie von CLEWATEC und FlexiSens als gewinnbringend beurteilt. Sie werden damit weitere zweieinhalb Jahre gefördert, um ab 2025 als eigenständige Innovationslabore finanziell unabhängig zu agieren. Die ersten Ausgründungen und Kooperationen mit großen Unternehmen sind bereits erfolgt.
Das HZDR in viereinhalb Minuten
Highlight of 31.05.2022
Eine Reise ins Reich der Erkenntnis: Ende Mai 2022 ist der neue Imagefilm des HZDR fertiggestellt und veröffentlicht worden. Darüber hinaus gibt es einen 30-sekündigen Trailer. Film und Trailer können ab sofort auf der Website angesehen und heruntergeladen werden.
Surprising turbulence: HZDR team comes across unexpected flow behavior in liquid metals
Press Release of 20.05.2022
Some metals are in liquid form, the prime example being mercury. But there are also enormous quantities of liquid metal in the Earth’s core, where temperatures are so high that part of the iron is molten and undergoes complex flows. A team at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has now simulated a similar process in the laboratory and made a surprising discovery: Under certain circumstances, the flow of liquid metal is far more turbulent than expected – and this has a significant impact on heat transport.
Kontakte knüpfen, Karrierewege ebnen, Firmenkulturen kennenlernen
Highlight of 17.05.2022
Unternehmensluft schnuppern und spannende Arbeitgeber in der Region kennenlernen – das ist das Anliegen des Hospitationsprogramms „Company Visits“ des Helmholtz-Zentrums Dresden-Rossendorf. Das Angebot des Postdoc Centers HZDR-TUD und der Stabsabteilung Technologietransfer und Innovation bietet Postdocs und Doktorand*innen des HZDR und der TU Dresden in den nächsten Monaten die Möglichkeit, Einblicke in innovative Unternehmen zu gewinnen. Der erste Firmenbesuch fand am 17. Mai bei der Firma Wandelbots statt.
„Gute Frage“ - Gute Antworten von HZDR-Wissenschaftlern
Highlight of 11.05.2022
In der neuen Ausgabe des Videoformats „Gute Frage“ der TU Dresden geht es um das Thema Kernenergie. Kein Wunder, dass hier gleich zwei Wissenschaftler vom Institut für Ressourcenökologie des HZDR ausführlich zu Wort kommen: Prof. Thorsten Stumpf wurde zu Endlagerung von Atommüll befragt, Dr. Sören Kliem zum Thema Reaktorsicherheit und welche Rolle die Wissenschaft künftig auf diesem Gebiet noch spielen kann, wenn es in Deutschland kaum noch Atomkraftwerke gibt.
Detecting Heavy Metals in Hair Samples
Press Release of 09.05.2022
South Africa is home to the largest known gold deposit on Earth, the Witwatersrand basin near Johannesburg. When mining the desired precious metal, harmful, toxic and radioactive mining waste comes to the surface as a byproduct. An international research team, which involves scientists from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), is helping to determine the degree of uranium contamination and identify which populations are most at risk. To do so, the Dresden researchers are analyzing individual hair samples.
Auf dem Weg zur Protonentherapie der nächsten Generation
Highlight of 27.04.2022
Forschende des Instituts für Radioonkologie – OncoRay des Helmholtz-Zentrums Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) erhalten Förderbescheid in Höhe von knapp 250.000 Euro.
HZDR in Szene gesetzt
Highlight of 12.04.2022
Eine Filmcrew auf dem HZDR-Campus: Mit viel Technik laufen seit Montag, 11. April, noch bis Freitag, 15. April, an verschiedenen Instituten des HZDR die Dreharbeiten für einen neuen Imagefilm. Insgesamt gibt es acht Drehorte.
Luftschadstoffe besser überwachen: HZDR-Team erreicht ersten Meilenstein für Entwicklung hochempfindlicher Nanosensoren
Press Release of 06.04.2022
Der Weltgesundheitstag 2022 "Our planet, our health" macht auf die gesundheitlichen Folgen des Klimawandels aufmerksam. Viele Effekte sind noch nicht ausreichend verstanden. Das EU-geförderte RADICAL-Projekt könnte ein wichtiges Puzzleteil liefern. Innovative Sensorik soll die Messmöglichkeiten freier Radikale in der Atmosphäre revolutionieren. Am Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) gelang einem Forschungsteam nun der erste grundlegende Schritt: die Fertigung maßgeschneiderter Nanodraht-Chips mit besonderen Sensoreigenschaften.
Bio4Rec und SUMI: Förderung von Projekten aus der Ressourcentechnologie und Strahlenphysik bewilligt
Press Release of 31.03.2022
Forschende des Helmholtz-Zentrums Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) haben Förderbescheide für zwei neue Forschungsvorhaben erhalten. Dabei geht es zum einen um das Recycling von Metallen mittels Biomolekülen und zum anderen um die Erforschung ultraschneller physikalischer Prozesse unter extremen Bedingungen mit Hilfe eines supraleitenden Magneten. Die Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) hat zur Förderung der Projekte eine Zuwendung in Höhe von 375.000 Euro bewilligt.
Sächsische Bundestagsabgeordnete besuchen das HZDR
Highlight of 10.03.2022
Am 9. März besichtigten die SPD-Bundestagsabgeordneten Rasha Nasr und Nadja Sthamer das HZDR. Am 10. März war Dr. Markus Reichel (CDU), ebenfalls Mitglied des Bundestags, zu Gast.
Using pulsed magnetic fields to fight neurodegenerative diseases
Press Release of 08.03.2022
In motor neuron diseases of the nervous system, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commands can no longer be sent to the muscles. This gradually leads to paralysis. Physicist Dr. Thomas Herrmannsdörfer from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and physician Prof. Richard Funk from the TU Dresden formulated the idea to selectively revive the motor neurons using magnetic fields. Initial laboratory research results have proven them right and are encouraging them to further pursue their project and plan a prototype therapy facility.
Speeding through nanowire: Nanowires under tension create the basis for ultrafast transistors
Press Release of 07.02.2022
Smaller chips, faster computers, less energy consumption. Novel concepts based on semiconductor nanowires are expected to make transistors in microelectronic circuits better and more efficient. Electron mobility plays a key role in this: The faster electrons can accelerate in these tiny wires, the faster a transistor can switch and the less energy it requires. A team of researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), the TU Dresden and NaMLab has now succeeded in experimentally demonstrating that electron mobility in nanowires is remarkably enhanced when the shell places the wire core under tensile strain. This phenomenon offers novel opportunities for the development of ultrafast transistors.
Bundestagsabgeordneter Lars Rohwer besucht HZDR
Highlight of 03.02.2022
Das HZDR gehört zu dem Wahlkreis, den Lars Rohwer (CDU) im September 2021 bei der Bundestagswahl gewonnen hat. Grund genug für den Politiker, sich vor Ort ein Bild von der Leistungsfähigkeit der größten außeruniversitären Forschungseinrichtungen Sachsens zu machen.
Sächsische Transfer Roadshow am HZDR: Sachsen auf dem Weg zum internationalen Standort für Lebenswissenschaften
Press Release of 24.01.2022
Wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse und ihr Transfer müssen Hand in Hand gehen. Dies ist Grundlage, um die aktuellen und künftigen Herausforderungen unserer Welt zu lösen und dient zugleich der Erschließung innovativer Märkte für den sächsischen Mittelstand.
Sächsische Transfer Roadshow am HZDR: Sachsen auf dem Weg zum internationalen Standort für Lebenswissenschaften
Highlight of 20.01.2022
HZDR und ROTOP stellen ihre Erfolgsgeschichte bei der Herstellung radiopharmazeutischer Medizin vor Wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse und ihr Transfer müssen Hand in Hand gehen. Dies ist Grundlage, um die aktuellen und künftigen Herausforderungen unserer Welt zu lösen und dient zugleich der Erschließung innovativer Märkte für den sächsischen Mittelstand.
Artificial lightning to prompt nuclear fusion: Fusion processes can be triggered by pulsed electric fields
Press Release of 06.01.2022
Pulsed electric fields, such as the ones caused by lightning strikes, manifest themselves as voltage spikes, posing a destructive threat to electronic components and causing considerable damage. Scientists from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) have now discovered that such voltage spikes can also have useful properties. In the journal Physical Review Research (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.3.033153), they report how nuclear fusion processes, for instance, can be significantly reinforced by extremely strong and fast-pulsed electric fields.
Bringing the Sun into the lab: Liquid-metal experiment provides insight into the heating mechanism of the Sun's corona
Press Release of 03.01.2022
Why the Sun's corona reaches temperatures of several million degrees Celsius is one of the great mysteries of solar physics. A "hot" trail to explain this effect leads to a region of the solar atmosphere just below the corona, where sound waves and certain plasma waves travel at the same speed. In an experiment using the molten alkali metal rubidium and pulsed high magnetic fields, a team from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has developed a laboratory model and for the first time experimentally confirmed the theoretically predicted behavior of these plasma waves – so-called Alfvén waves – as the researchers report in the journal Physical Review Letters (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.275001).
