PSI - Paul Scherrer Institute
Contact: Pierre-André Duperrex
The Paul Scherrer Institut is the largest research centre for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland with its research activities concentrated on three main subject areas: Matter and Material; Energy and the Environment; and Health. By conducting fundamental and applied research, the PSI works on long-term solutions for major challenges facing society, industry and science. To address some of these challenges, the PSI develops, constructs and operates complex large-scale research facilities, such as the SINQ neutron source, the Swiss Light Source (SLS) and the SμS muon source. An x-ray free electron laser, named SwissFEL, will go into operation in 2017.
The PSI operates a 590 MeV cyclotron, the world’s most powerful proton accelerator, that delivers a 1.3 MW proton beam needed for the neutron and muon sources. The PSI also developed and is operating a superconducting cyclotron named COMET dedicated to the treatment of cancer patients. A third gantry is presently undergoing some final tests before machine operation with patients.