That's why we need PETRA IV

Germany needs cutting-edge research to ensure innovation and progress in science and industry. DESY's new X-ray light source PETRA IV will play a central role in this. With its world-leading precision and performance, it will open up completely new possibilities in areas such as materials and energy research, medicine and industry.

Here are six reasons why PETRA IV will be a driver of innovation.

1. Medical research

PETRA IV will enable new imaging techniques based on innovative technologies. It will provide detailed information and images of the structure and dynamics of molecules, cells, tissues and organisms. The new research opportunities will lead to advanced therapies, for example for antibiotic resistance, dementia and cancer.

2. Quantum materials

Quantum technologies require completely new material concepts. In order to use quantum materials, their complex properties must be understood. For example, PETRA IV will be able to observe, understand and better control the behaviour of electrons in the material. The necessary information cannot be obtained at this level of detail using conventional techniques. With PETRA IV, Germany can play a leading role in the development of new logic and memory components.

3. Mikroelectronics

European companies often have microchips manufactured abroad. While this saves costs, it carries the risk of hidden espionage. In order to guarantee that the chips perform only their intended function, they must be checked layer by layer. Conventional methods are either too costly or impossible to use for this purpose. PETRA IV can help with this: its brilliant X-ray beam makes the integrated nanoelectronics on a microchip completely visible. While PETRA III currently only allows partial analysis, PETRA IV could test entire chips in a matter of days instead of a year thanks to its greater brilliance.

4. Green chemistry

The chemical industry requires large amounts of hydrogen and ethanol, which are usually produced from natural gas. New processes are needed for green chemistry without CO₂ emissions. The extreme brilliance of PETRA IV's X-ray nanoradiation will enable breakthroughs in electrochemistry and corrosion research. PETRA IV will allow the energy-efficient production of chemical products - with less waste and cleaner processes.

5. Energy materials

PETRA IV will revolutionise energy materials research: The ultra-bright X-ray beam will provide higher spatial and temporal resolution under realistic conditions. Examples include photovoltaic, battery and catalyst materials for energy generation, storage and conversion. Wind turbine blades, waste heat recovery devices, hydrogen storage and fuel cells will also become more efficient.

6. Sustainability

From the use of waste heat to energy-efficient accelerators, the 'Design4Sustainability' principle has been applied from the outset in the construction and operation of the research facility. In addition, international research teams will work together at the X-ray light source to develop technologies that will sustainably improve everyday life and the environment, such as high-performance solar cells and batteries, environmentally friendly materials and innovative materials.