Radiation source ELBE - Electromagnetic radiation for fundamental research

Since 2003, the radiation source ELBE at the Research Centre Dresden-Rossendorf delivers infrared light, X-rays and Bremsstrahlung of high intensity for fundamental research. The experimental proposals are associated with the structure of matter, life sciences as well as environment and safety related topics and come from the institute itself, as well as from in-ternational guests. The design and the technical implementation of the 40 MeV superconducting electron beam linear accelerator are explained with regard to the generation of the different types of secon-dary radiation. The article also highlights beam diagnostics and optimization of the beam quality and availability with respect to the different demands on its main properties (energy, bunch charge, emittance, time structure) and the ongoing installation of facility parts