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Basic Research

Our crystals are also needed in basic research applications.

Curiosity is the engine of progress. We support basic researchers worldwide in the development of cutting-edge technology and expertise. Whether in physics, chemistry, biology or materials science – our crystals in application help to gain new scientific insights and shape the world of tomorrow.

High energy laser(Yb3+:CaF2)

The fourth POLARIS amplifier. In the centre: active laser medium with two lens rings for collimation of the pump radiation. Behind: one of the two rings with twenty pump laser diodes. Photo: © Dr Marco Hornung
The fourth POLARIS amplifier. In the centre: active laser medium with two lens rings for collimation of the pump radiation. Behind: one of the two rings with twenty pump laser diodes. Photo: © Dr Marco Hornung

Time-of-Flight application in particle physics (BaF2)

Time-of-flight measurements characterise the time of flight of charged particles. These measurements require a temporal resolution of less than one nanosecond. With a very fast scintillation emission with a decay time of 800 ps at 220 nm, BaF2 crystals are ideally suited for time-of-flight applications. The crystals generate both fast and slow optical emission pulses. Typical temporal resolutions are 150 ps at 1 MeV per detector. BaF2 scintillators are radiation stable and only slightly hygroscopic upon long-term exposure.

To the project page of a Time of Flight application

©Mario Weigand: A sketch of the DANCE array. Almost half of the crystals are faded out to give an insight. Colours distinguish between different crystal shapes; the blue disc marks the neutron absorber.
©Mario Weigand: A sketch of the DANCE array. Almost half of the crystals are faded out to give an insight. Colours distinguish between different crystal shapes; the blue disc marks the neutron absorber.