Synchrotron radiation sources: Toolboxes for quantum technologies

December 2, 2025 The GIST Synchrotron radiation sources: Toolboxes for quantum technologies by Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Robert Egan Sadie Harley scientific editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Robert Egan associate editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread A special look at the BESSY II experimental hall. Credit: Volker Mai/HZB Synchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has published an overview of synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials. Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs. In quantum technologies, quantum physical principles such as superposition, interference and entanglement play a decisive role in their function. Components in quantum technology can perform calculations orders of magnitude more efficiently and encrypt information (quantum computing) or deliver unprecedented measurement accuracy in sensors. However, developing such components for practical use remains challenging because quantum systems are inherently sensitive to environmental disturbances, making precise control under normal conditions difficult. To make progress in this area and identify sources of error, it is essential that the materials and devices are thoroughly characterized and better understood. The new edition of the Hitchhiker's Guide to synchrotron and FEL light sources for quantum technology has just been published, in print and online. www.helmholtz-berlin.de/srforqt. Credit: Anna Makarova/HZB Synchrotron and FEL radiation sources provide an ideal toolkit for this purpose. The available methods include non-destructive imaging, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, spectromicroscopy and investigations of electronic and magnetic nanostructures. A team from HZB has written this overview together with colleagues from universities and other European synchrotron radiation sources. More information: Oliver Rader et al, Synchrotron Radiation for Quantum Technology, Advanced Functional Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202501043 Journal information: Advanced Functional Materials Provided by Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres Citation: Synchrotron radiation sources: Toolboxes for quantum technologies (2025, December 2) retrieved 7 January 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2025-12-synchrotron-sources-toolboxes-quantum-technologies.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. 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