Brilliant synchrotron optics for research
High-performance beam guidance and beamforming
ZEISS has been equipping research institutes worldwide with precise synchrotron optics and X-ray gratings for over 30 years. For structural analysis and use in monochromators. For basic research in physics, biology and materials science. For a wealth of priceless information. For researchers every day.
Mirrors and gratings of the highest optical quality
Synchrotron optics and X-ray gratings from ZEISS SMT
Synchrotron radiation in research
New opportunities
Synchrotron radiation is a powerful tool for basic research and applied sciences. The increasing interest in this area is reflected not least in the increasing number of large synchrotron radiation laboratories worldwide. New generations of synchrotron radiation sources with higher energy density, such as free-electron lasers (FEL), open up new possibilities.
What is “Synchrotron Radiation”?
It is an electromagnetic radiation used in technology and science for the study of the structure of various materials. The advantage over other methods is that synchrotron radiation can generate a particularly high intensity light (brilliance) – i.e. an optimal bundling of the electromagnetic beam. ZEISS SMT makes a decisive contribution to this with its synchrotron and Kirckpatrick Baez optics.
Particle and ring accelerators
Synchrotron is a term used to describe certain types of particle accelerators. In them, a magnetic field (for routing the particles) and an electric field (for acceleration) are exactly synchronized with the moving particle bundles. They are classified as ring accelerators. In them, elementary particles, ions or molecules are accelerated to very high speeds close to the speed of light.
Brilliant research thanks to ZEISS
Mirrors and gratings for synchrotrons
Your reliable partner
ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) is your reliable partner for the production of X-ray optics for use in synchrotrons and free-electron lasers (FEL). We produce optical components and modules of the highest quality for synchrotron radiation and other X-ray applications, as well as gratings for use in X-ray light.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Synchrotron optics are optics that are used in a synchrotron (particle and ring accelerator). They are used for beam shaping - usually for X-rays under grazing incidence.
In many cases, the angle of incidence of the radiation is below 1°. This results in a characteristic very long and narrow geometry. Synchrotron and X-ray optics are commonly made of monocrystalline silicon, and more rarely of technical glass or ceramics. -
The main applications of synchrotron and X-ray optics are accelerator-based light sources, such as synchrotrons and free-electron lasers (FEL). ZEISS optics serve as tools for the beam guidance from the source towards the experiment. Depending on the surface geometry, ZEISS optics serve as beam-collimators, beam expanders or as ordinary flat reflectors.
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A synchrotron is a large-scale research facility, which is used to generate broadband electromagnetic radiation (“light”). This makes it a light source, which emits infrared and visible light, as well as EUV or X-ray radiation. The particle accelerator is primarily used in basic research to investigate physical and chemical relationships.
For this purpose, electrically charged particles (electrons) are accelerated to almost the speed of light in the synchrotron. By deflecting these particles, electromagnetic radiation is emitted: Synchrotron radiation.