Research Activities of GSI

Research with accelerated heavy ions as it is done at GSI covers a wide spectrum from insight-oriented investigations and application-oriented operations to the development of new technologies. More details: Introduction - A Close Look at Matter

Physics of Atomic Nuclei

When atomic nuclei are forced to collide with one another at high velocities, previously unknown nuclei or even new elements can be created and studied. At very high energies, the nuclei are heated and compressed to such an extent that their constituents begin to break up. This makes it possible to study the quark-gluon plasma, a form of matter that existed shortly after the big bang. More details: Nuclear Physics I und Nuclear Physics II.

Physics of the Atomic Shell

In atomic reactions experiments, performed at the GSI accelerator, highly charged ions up to fully stripped uranium (92+) ions can be produced. In this way scientists obtain ultra-strong electromagnetic fields in which they can precisely verify the theory of the electromagnetic interaction (quantum electrodynamics). More details: Atomic Physics.

Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine

Ion beams have a special physical and biological effect on tissue. Certain cancer tumors can be purposefully damaged while preserving the healthy tissue. This is the basis of the new type of ion beam cancer therapy developed at GSI. More details: Materials Research and Ion Therapy.

Materials Research

Bombardment with ion beams allows one to make specific changes to the properties of materials. This process, which is used, for example, in the production of microscopic filters, membranes and needles, is suitable for a large variety of applications. More details: Materials Research and Ion Therapy.

Plasma Physics

Using very intense ion beam pulses, it is possible to transfer a great deal of energy along the particle track into a foil. In this way, researchers can create and study hot, dense plasmas of the kind that occur in the sun. More details: Plasma Physics.

Accelerator Technology, Detector Development, Electronics, Data Processing

Part of the research activities at GSI focus on the research instruments themselves. Accelerators and experimental equipment are continually further developed and improved. Such work is essential if the scientists are to continue performing research at the highest level.