The Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin operates two scientific large-scale facilities for research on the structure and function of matter: research reactor BER II for neutron experiments and synchrotron radiation source BESSY II, which generates highly brilliant synchrotron radiation from the terahertz to the X-ray spectrum. Both facilities are equipped with highly specialized sample environments. Experiments can be performed under the most sophisticated conditions like high magnetic fields, extremely low temperatures, or high pressures. The instruments’ continued refinement at the two large-scale facilities is one the Center’s main jobs.
Through its user service, each year, the HZB provides some 3,000 visiting scientists who hail from some 35 different countries with access to some of the most unique measuring methodologies. For many research questions, it is a huge advantage to be able to study different material samples using both neutrons and synchrotron radiation: By combining these two complementary methods, a more complete picture of matter is obtained.
In addition to these scientific large-scale facilities the HZB built central laboratory infrastructures: the Corelabs.