Hochstromlabor

What forces could possibly be strong enough to stop a speeding train in mere milliseconds? This is the question scientists at the Dresden Hochstromlabor, or High Magnetic Field Laboratory, asked themselves. The Hochstromlabor is not just another building on the TU Dresden campus. It’s a place where the invisible forces of magnetism are harnessed to extremes. The Hochstromlabor is dedicated to exploring the world of high magnetic fields, a frontier that pushes the boundaries of materials science. Founded in 2004, the Hochstromlabor quickly became a hub for international research. Its powerful capacitor bank, inaugurated in 2006, is capable of releasing enough energy to stop a 58-ton locomotive from 150 km/h in a fraction of a second. This energy is channeled into creating incredibly strong magnetic fields, reaching up to 90 teslas for routine operations. In 2011, the Hochstromlabor team even achieved a record-breaking 95.6 teslas, pushing the limits of what’s physically possible. But the Hochstromlabor is not just about breaking records. It’s about providing scientists worldwide with a unique tool to probe the mysteries of matter. Researchers use these intense magnetic fields to study the behavior of exotic superconductors, investigate strongly correlated electron systems, and explore the quantum world of nanostructures. The Hochstromlabor has also been instrumental in groundbreaking discoveries. In 2008, HLD scientists provided experimental proof for a new state of superconductors, the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov phase, predicted decades earlier. This discovery opened new avenues in the quest for more efficient and powerful superconductors. The constant demand for access to this remarkable facility led to its expansion in 2013, effectively doubling its capacity with a second capacitor bank and six new pulse cells. This investment further cemented the Hochstromlabor’s position as a leading institution for high magnetic field research. The Hochstromlabor’s story is one of constant innovation and collaboration. From its early days as Forschungszentrum Rossendorf’s sixth institute to its current role as a partner in the European Magnetic Field Laboratory, the Hochstromlabor continues to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. As you stand here, consider the incredible forces contained within these walls. The Hochstromlabor is a testament to human ingenuity, a place where the seemingly impossible becomes reality.