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BESSY II Unveils Europe’s First TES X-ray Spectrometer

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

BESSY II synchrotron commissioned Europe’s first transition-edge-sensor (TES) X-ray spectrometer.
Built by HZB, MPI-CEC and NIST, the 248-sensor array operates at 25 milli-Kelvin and detects photons 100–1,000 × more efficiently, reducing XES and RIXS data collection from hours to minutes.
Mounted on the UE52-SGM beamline, the system offers 10 K–room-temperature control, full polarization and future magnetic-field upgrades, and proposals are now invited.

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Story summary

BESSY II synchrotron commissioned Europe’s first transition-edge-sensor (TES) X-ray spectrometer.
Built by HZB, MPI-CEC and NIST, the 248-sensor array operates at 25 milli-Kelvin and detects photons 100–1,000 × more efficiently, reducing XES and RIXS data collection from hours to minutes.
Mounted on the UE52-SGM beamline, the system offers 10 K–room-temperature control, full polarization and future magnetic-field upgrades, and proposals are now invited.