DALI – Dresden Advanced Light Infrastructure
DALI is a light source in the terahertz (THz) frequency range that is electron-accelerator-based and coupled with laser radiation. The facility enables a detailed look into the world of elementary quantum processes of practically any kind of matter. DALI's THz light pulses are so intense that new, previously non-existent states of matter can be generated in a targeted manner. This is achieved using multiple superconducting accelerators, which propel several billion electrons per second to nearly the speed of light. These extremely high-energy electron clouds are then compressed and, through the use of magnetic fields, coherently emit intense THz pulses. At the same time, the laser radiation allows the processes generated with THz light to be observed. The result is a movie that decodes the microscopic quantum processes in the sample with ultimate temporal precision.
Video: Thomas Schuster (Midoridesign)
The DALI light source as a true all-rounder
With DALI, science can specifically trigger microscopic processes with light and generate excited states of matter. Precisely that is needed to develop novel materials that can provide the basis for breakthrough innovations. This, in turn, will be a stimulus for Germany as a science and business hub.
Quantum technologies, in particular, are regarded as the basis for future applications in many areas. Without incorporating THz radiation, quantum research is reaching its limits. DALI will literally shine a light into the darkness and provide the foundation for the further development of quantum technologies and numerous applications.
However, generating this sought-after radiation has so far been technically complicated and inefficient. DALI may provide a pioneering solution to this problem by bridging the largely unexplored gap between the worlds of electronics and optics.
Researchers from around the globe and across a wide range of disciplines are already enthusiastic about the potential of DALI. From materials science and health research to information technology, chemistry, and climate protection – THz radiation and, therefore, DALI will tap into completely novel fields of research in the future, giving rise to unprecedented applications.
DALI will shine a light into the darkness, DALI enables the quantum leap; DALI shapes the future.
The most significant features of terahertz (THz) radiation
- links electronics and optics, can be utilized in various disciplines
- enables new research approaches for highly developed functional materials
- wavelengths from 0.01 mm to 3 mm
- provides high temporal and spatial resolution for screening and analyzing materials
- non-ionizing and therefore not harmful
- generation previously complicated and inefficient
- THz frequency range is the ultimate speed limit for electronic components
- quantum effects in the THz range allow selective control of material properties
Contacts: Prof. Manfred Helm, Prof. Sebastian Mährlein
Press releases:
- DALI clears important hurdle on the path to implementation: HZDR project shortlisted by the Federal Ministry of Research
- Reading magnetic states faster – in far infrared: Researchers determine the magnetic orientation of a material using terahertz light
- Hidden Harmonies: Team discovers Magnon-phonon Fermi resonance in an antiferromagnet
- Magnetic sandwich mediating between two worlds: Scientists couple terahertz radiation with spin waves
- Ultrafast and tunable: Terahertz-to-visible light conversion for future telecommunications
- Metamaterial for the terahertz age: Tailored quantum materials as a high-efficiency frequency booster
- Temporarily apart: Research team succeeds in ultra-fast switching of tiny light sources
- Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon: When terahertz pulses strike graphene discs
- Schubkraft für Spitzenforschung aus Deutschland: Drei Forschungszentren der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft entwickeln gemeinsame Strategie für beschleunigerbasierte Lichtquellen, um Forschung und Innovation in Deutschland zu stärken (In German only)
- Quantum material to boost terahertz frequencies: New study elucidates fundamental enigma of topological insulators
- Power boost thanks to gold lamellae: Research team develops new material system to convert and generate terahertz waves
- Dynamic, yet inertial – and definitely futuristic: Researchers conduct experiments to demonstrate inertial motion in magnetic materials
- A closer look at superconductors: A new measuring method helps understand the physics of high-temperature superconductivity
Additional informations: