Chinese plan to participate in the European XFEL project

The X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL), which will generate extremely brilliant, ultra-short X-ray pulses with laser-like properties, opens up completely new possibilities for the vast field of structural research. Within the framework of the meeting of the XFEL Steering Committee in Berlin, two representatives of the People's Republic of China's Ministry of Science and Technology signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the European X-ray laser project XFEL. Since the beginning of 2005, the ministries of science from 12 countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) have already declared their intention to participate in the preparations for the construction and operation of the XFEL. This research facility, which will be unique in Europe, is due to commence operation in 2012. For more information, contact Petra Folkerts, Phone: +49-40-8998-4977, Fax: +49-40-8998-2020, petra.folkerts@desy.de, http://www.xfel.net