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Snapshots on a Molecular Level
An inside look at the inner workings of the Femtosecond X-ray Plasma Source PXS © Institute for Scientific Instruments
Molecules and atoms move at a frequency that most of us would have a hard time imagining. And yet, in the fields of molecular biology, nanotechnology and sensor technology, it is essential that researchers be able to examine and understand exactly these processes. The Institute for Scientific Instruments (IfG) in Adlershof recently created new a device that contributes significantly to the efficient research technology needed to visualize these processes even in small laboratories. Together with the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short-Time Spectroscopy, the IfG developed a so-called “femtosecond x-ray plasma source,” a device that was so ground-breaking that it also won the 2010 Berlin-Brandenburg Innovation Award.
Laser Sets Molecules Into Motion
In a figurative sense, what the device does is film how molecules and atoms move. In order to do so, it uses a laser system to fire extremely short x-ray pulses at samples. These pulses set the molecules into motion and an x-ray flash then helps to create a type of snapshot for scientists. The process is repeated several times and the result is a series of images – a type of “x-ray movie” – that capture the molecules’ motion sequence.
The operating and control electronics of the Femtosecond X-ray Plasma Source PXS © Institute for Scientific Instruments
The x-ray source – the so-called “PXS” – has the advantage of being relatively compact, which means that it can be used in small laboratories as well. Until now, experiments of this kind were only possible on large-scale devices, such as synchrotrons. What’s even more important is the fact that the PXS makes it possible for scientists to carry out their research in a semi-automatic way. “Basically, they start their experiment by pressing a button,” notes Professor Norbert Langhoff, managing director of the IfG.
Sole Provider Worldwide
The IfG developed the prototype of their x-ray source in 2008 together with a research group headed up by Professor Thomas Elsässer from the Max Born Institute. The result of their subsequent cooperation with the team of Professor Matias Bargheer from the University of Potsdam was a market-ready product: “We are the only company worldwide manufacturing this device,” notes Professor Langhoff. The IfG has sold four of the femtosecond x-ray plasma sources in Germany already. Those interested in the product are first and foremost research institutions.
This productive collaboration with the Max Born Institute is a direct result of the extensive networking activities carried out by IfG employees in Adlershof. “We’re always looking at what other institutes are doing at the moment,” says Professor Langhoff. After attending a lecture by Professor Elsässer on current research in the field of femtosecond spectroscopy, Professor Langhoff approached him and suggested a joint project. “That’s the advantage of a campus such as Adlershof,” notes Langhoff. “We meet each other on a regular basis and exchange ideas and approaches.” Indeed, the joint cooperation with the Max Born Institute is ongoing: “Our ultimate goal is to continue developing the method even further.”
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Institute for Scientific Instruments
The Institute for Scientific Instruments (IfG) focuses on developing and manufacturing devices and components for x-ray analytics. The innovative R&D company is located in Adlershof.
Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy
The Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) is a non-profit research institution that conducts basic R&D in the field of nonlinear optics and short pulse dynamics in the interaction of matter with laser light.
