The laboratory enables researchers to study atoms and molecules that are only a few tenths of a nanometre in diameter, which provides completely new knowledge about the world and how it works. So far, investment in the facility amounts to EUR 470 million – the biggest ever investment in national research infrastructure in Sweden.
“In terms of Swedish and international research, this is truly a major event and a good example of how a small country like Sweden can pursue trendsetting projects that create an international impact. Looking ahead, MAX IV together with ESS will provide a unique and first-class research environment which will benefit research and innovation”, says Helene Hellmark Knutsson, Swedish Minister for Higher Education and Research.
Watch short interview with key people involved in the MAX IV development
“MAX IV is the result of decades of research and innovative ideas, and it’s immensely satisfying that we have reached the stage where we can inaugurate the facility. The financiers have shown great trust in us and we have to live up to that. There are great hopes both in the research community and the business sector that we will deliver results that the world has never seen before. We have an exciting period ahead of us, establishing an operation that attracts the business sector and researchers to collaborate on making new, groundbreaking discoveries”, says Christoph Quitmann, Director of MAX IV.
The special technology required to generate the intense light has been designed in a totally new way, which makes MAX IV the world-leading synchrotron radiation source facility. Several other facilities around the world are now copying the technology that MAX IV is based on.
Work on the MAX IV site outside Lund in southern Sweden started in 2010 and construction was completed in 2015. There has been a series of trials since then to test the technology for creating light in the accelerator and directing it into the beamlines. In May this year the researchers confirmed that the new technology works and the first light was delivered to the first beamlines.
View comprehensive infographics about the facility: This is MAX IV
For more information on MAX IV and to view videos about the facility, visit the MAX IV website.