China's scientific landscape is poised for a major leap as the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), Asia's first fourth-generation synchrotron radiation facility, enters its final commissioning phase. The project's developers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of High Energy Physics announced this milestone during a 2025 Zhongguancun Forum session in Beijing.
A New Era for Scientific Discovery
Scheduled for full operation by late 2025, HEPS will produce X-ray light one trillion times brighter than the Sun. This unprecedented brightness enables researchers to examine materials at atomic-level resolution, with applications spanning aerospace engineering, pharmaceutical development, and environmental science.
Engineering Breakthroughs
The facility has already achieved remarkable technical feats, including a world-class electron beam emittance of 93 picometer radians. Project Director Pan Weimin revealed cost-saving innovations: "By redesigning the booster to serve dual functions, we reduced infrastructure expenses without compromising performance."
Sustainable Science
Deputy Accelerator Division Head Jiao Yi emphasized environmental considerations: "Our electron beam recycling system minimizes energy waste while maintaining research-grade beam quality." The first-phase development includes 14 specialized beamlines, featuring a pioneering Hard X-ray Imaging system for advanced materials analysis.
Transformative Potential
HEPS Executive Deputy Director Dong Yuhui explained the facility's unique capabilities: "Our integrated design achieves deeper material penetration and higher resolution than conventional systems, opening new frontiers in neural network mapping and aircraft component testing."
When operational, HEPS will establish China as a global hub for cutting-edge materials research, offering international scientists unparalleled tools for innovation.
