Departments at the Institute of Radiation Physics

Directors: Prof. Dr. Thomas Cowan, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schramm, Secretary: Anne Varga

Foto: ELBE Center ©Copyright: HZDR

Radiation Source ELBE

Dr. Andreas Wagner

The radiation source ELBE (electron linear accelerator for beams of high brilliance and low emittance) provides different types of secondary beams - both electromagnetic radiation and particles - are generated. The properties of this radiation make ELBE a unique research tool for both external users and scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf.

  • Operation
  • Enhancements
  • Accelerator research and development
Foto: DRACO Laser ©Copyright: HZDR/Jürgen Lösel

Laser Particle Acceleration

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schramm

Experimental and theoretical investigations of light-matter interaction require compact and brilliant sources for relativistic particle beams. In addition to the ultra-short pulse laser DRACO, a completely diode-pumped laser system "PENELOPE" is under construction. A major focus is on the application of the novel accelerator technology, for example in radiation therapy.

  • Laser plasma particle acceleration
  • Ultra-fast secondary radiation sources
  • Petawatt laser operation and development
  • Junior Research Group Computer assisted radiation physics
  • Compact beam guiding systems (Gantry)
  • Radiation Induced Cell Damage
  • Dose application laser-accelerated radiation
Foto: MePS Positronen Strahlführung an ELBE, 400x266px ©Copyright: Reinhard Krause-Rehberg, Martin-Luther Univ. Halle

Nuclear Physics

Dr. Andreas Wagner

Nuclear physics measurement methods and their application are the core research topics of the Department of Nuclear Physics. Experiments are conducted to investigate nuclear reactions for astrophysics and technical applications. A major focus is on the development of novel radiation detectors, which are also used in medicine.

  • Nuclear Physics Data for Science and Technology
  • Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
  • Nuclear Astrophysics
  • Detector Development
Foto: Hibef Laser system ©Copyright: Tom Cowan

High Energy Density, HIBEF and High-field THz driven phenomenas

Prof. Dr. Thomas Cowan (interim)

Experimental and theoretical studies of dynamic processes at extreme conditions, such as high pressures, high temperatures or strong electromagnetic fields are the core topics of this division. We scientifically support the commissioning and further development of the Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields (HIBEF) at European XFEL and will soon perform first experiments with this infrastructure.

  • Planetary Interiors

  • Stellar Interiors

  • Astrophysical Plasmas

  • Intense Laser-Matter Interaction

  • Ultrafast X-ray Diagnostics

  • Modern ‘First-Principles’ Simulation Methods