A major step for an X-ray free-electron laser project in Europe

Basic research with large-scale equipment has been given new impetus in Germany. Federal Research Minister Edelgard Bulmahn presented her plans in Berlin recently which included the critical decision for an X-ray free-electron laser facility at the DESY research centre in Hamburg. In view of the locational advantage, Germany is prepared to cover half of the investment costs amounting to 673 million Euros. She said that talks on European cooperation will start soon so that it will be possible to make a decision on construction within about two years. The construction period will be approximately six years.