Enabling Ultrafast X-ray Science for Industry and Research

Enabling Ultrafast X-ray Science for Industry and Research

Time-resolved pump-probe (PP) measurements using X-rays are a powerful tool to explore structural and electronic dynamics in materials. By exciting a sample with a laser pulse and probing it with an X-ray pulse, researchers can investigate ultrafast processes such as phase transitions, chemical reactions, and relaxation mechanisms in solids, liquids, or gases.

However, despite their potential, PP experiments have traditionally been time-consuming, complex, and dependent on highly trained scientific personnel—limiting their use beyond specialized research labs.

A Joint Innovation by TXproducts and DESY

To overcome these barriers, TXproducts, joint StartUp project by DESY and the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ), is collaborating with DESY to develop the Serial Pump-Probe Standard (SPPS). This initiative is funded by Hi-Acts with €70,000 and implemented at Beamline P08 of the PETRA III synchrotron in Hamburg.

TXproducts is known for creating flexible, adaptive solutions for synchrotron radiation experiments. Its technologies include advanced X-ray optics and beamline timing systems optimized for structural studies on picosecond to millisecond timescales.

What Makes SPPS a Game Changer?

The SPPS system introduces two key features that drastically reduce setup effort and cost:

• Standardized sample holder: Enables fast sequential testing of pre-aligned samples.
• Pre-aligned laser system: Facilitates spatial and temporal laser alignment.

Result: A potential cost reduction of up to 90%  per measurement without sacrificing data quality.

These advancements are designed to facilitate pump-probing experiments, particularly for industrial partners seeking efficient, reliable materials diagnostics.

Industrial Engagement: Join the Q3 2025 Validation Run

The first validation run of the SPPS platform is scheduled for Q3 2025. Industrial collaborators are invited to submit test samples—limited capacity is still available.

Ideal sample properties for the validation run include:

• High crystalline order
• Dynamic processes from picoseconds to seconds

Other sample types may also be considered—please reach out for a consultation.

Driving Science-to-Service Innovation

“Our SPPS approach accelerates scientific workflows and opens the door to industrial applications of advanced synchrotron measurements,” says Dr. Peter Gaal, CEO of TXproducts. “The SPPS project is a big step towards a customer oriented highly efficient time-resolved material analytics platform.”

The SPPS project exemplifies the Hi-Acts mission of translating scientific excellence into scalable, real-world services. Looking ahead, future pathways for additional improvements in user access and data management are already planned.

Contact us to reserve your spot in the validation run or to learn more about how SPPS can support your R&D goals.