Largest X-Ray Laser In The World Nearing Completion; First Experiments With The Laser Within Reach

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The largest X-ray laser in the world is nearly complete. The research team at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) bared that they have reached a major milestone in the development of the laser. The team also revealed that the pilot experiment using the laser is also within reach.

Digital Trends reports that the laser will be known as the European XFEL. It will be capable of flashing up to 27,000 X-ray laser illuminations in a second. With the laser, scientists will be able to capture images of atomic elements in what used to be an unimaginably tiny scale. This feature will allow researchers to take pictures of structure and processes down to an atomic level.

Helmut Dosch, Chairman of the DESY Board of Directors, revealed that the particle accelerator will be the first of its kind in the world to become functional. "The first experiments are within reach and I am quite excited about the discoveries ahead of us. I am exceptionally happy about arriving at this milestone and congratulate all involved for the outstanding work and their great tenacity." Dosch said in a statement.

This week, the European XFEL successfully fired electrons through a particle accelerator 2.1 kilometers long. The overall length of the XFEL is 3.4 kilometers. Yahoo reveals that the research team plans to increase the energy of the electrons before it is sent to the "magnetic slalom" section, where the light of the X-ray laser will be generated. The team is hoping to achieve this plan by May.

It took seven years of development for the superconducting accelerator of the European XFEL to get to this level. Still it remains to be seen how long it can be able to perform what is was designed for. Stand by for details and when the world's largest laser will perform its first project.