European XFEL Expanded Experimental Capacity
A new High Energy X-ray Scattering instrument will allow for parallel research under extreme conditions.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Physics
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The European XFEL facility has installed 500 meters of vacuum tubes to support a new High Energy X-ray Scattering instrument. This development will expand the facility's experimental capacity once fully integrated.
Why it matters
The addition allows experiments to be conducted in parallel and facilitates research under extreme pressures and energetic X-ray conditions. This expansion increases the facility's total scientific instrument count to nine.
The installation includes 500 meters of steel vacuum tubes connecting to the existing SASE2 undulator light source. A silicon mirror, set for installation in 2026, will manage beam switching between the new and existing instruments.
The players
European XFEL
A research facility that operates three light sources to provide X-ray laser beams for international scientific experimentation.
The details
The vacuum tubes terminate at the new instrument location to maintain the necessary ultra-high vacuum environment for X-ray propagation. A silicon mirror system will shift the X-ray beam, allowing for simultaneous or rapid-switching operation between the legacy hardware and the new scattering instrument. This setup enables scientists to target extreme pressures that were previously constrained by limited beam availability.
Timeline
Early 2026: Silicon mirror installation is scheduled.
Early 2027: The instrument is expected to receive its first X-ray laser beam.
2029: Scientists can begin proposing research projects for the new instrument.
The Tech Race
This installation extends the capabilities of the European XFEL facility by integrating a ninth instrument into its existing infrastructure. The move follows a strategic effort to increase throughput by enabling parallel experimental cycles across its three light sources.
The new instrument will eventually be available for researchers to use free of charge, though access is contingent on project proposal success. Once the instrument is operational in 2027 and open for proposals in 2029, it will provide a new venue for high-pressure material science.
The takeaway
The facility is steadily increasing its throughput for high-energy research through structural upgrades to its vacuum systems. Scientists should monitor the 2027 milestone when the instrument receives its first beam to track the timeline for future proposal windows.
Further reading
For broader context on current experimental infrastructure, explore the latest Physics research developments.
More information
View complete technical updates and project documentation on the European XFEL news and project details portal.
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