The outstanding characteristics of the facility are unique worldwide. Starting in 2015, it will open up completely new research opportunities for scientists and industrial users. To generate the X-ray flashes, bunches of electrons will first be accelerated to high energies and then directed through special arrangements of magnets (undulators). In the process, the particles will emit radiation that is increasingly amplified until an extremely short and intense x-ray flash is finally created.
For generating the high energy, the pulse transformers are needed. The transformers deliver rectangular pulses with a pulse width of 0.5-1.8 milliseconds. In contrast to standard transformers, they are not loaded continuously, but provide energy in certain cycles.
| Cutting view of ABB pulse transformer. | |
The European XFEL company and its main shareholder DESY will collaborate on the construction, commissioning and operation of the 3.4-kilometre-long facility. DESY placed the order of the pulse transformers at ABB Bad Honnef. The transformers will be installed along the facility.
"In 1998 we delivered the first pulse transformers that were used for different science projects", Christian Kühl, responsible Sales Manager in Bad Honnef explains and adds: "Over the years, the transformers were adapted and optimized, so that we now can look back on a total of 47 transformers sold that fulfill the high requirements".
"This order continues the ABB success story at European research center and laboratories." says Martin Rosenbusch, Account Manager in the regional sales organization.
Further information are available under http://www.xfel.eu.
