Particle Accelerators
RI-Bornite
MeV-UED as a Commercial Instrument
The Instrument
Here, we present the concept for the first commercial MeV-UED instrument. RI-Bornite makes ultrafast electron diffraction at MeV energies accessible to users who do not have the extensive resources required to build their own particle accelerators.
For more than 30 years, RI has been building unique instruments for the scientific community. This experience allows us to bring MeV-UED technology—previously confined to large-scale research facilities—to a much broader user base. In developing this instrument, our focus was on robustness and ease of use, while relying on components that have proven themselves at leading research institutions worldwide. At the same time, RI-Bornite offers extensive flexibility for customer-specific adaptations, including sample environments (solid, liquid, or gas), detector options (EMCCD or hybrid pixel), and diagnostic tools (electron spectrometers). The system can also be extended to the current state of the art with advanced features such as pulse compression and THz streaking.
Modern nano- and quantum systems require detailed information about atomic structures and their dynamics on atomic spatial (~1 Å) and temporal (~100 fs) scales. Meeting these demands calls for ultrafast time-resolved experiments. RI offers a complete Megaelectronvolt Ultrafast Electron Diffraction (MeV-UED) system, providing a high-brightness electron beam (ε = 0.5 mm·mrad), a flexible sample environment, a femtosecond laser system (Δt ≈ 50 fs) with pump (IR) and probe (UV) branches, as well as suitable detectors.
Talk to us about configuring the instrument to meet your specific requirements.
The concept
RI-Bornite
Concept design of the RI-Bornite MeV-UED system showing the 2.5 cell RF-photogun together with the klystron and modulator on the left, the fs-laser system in the back, and the sample chamber in the front. The two detectors are shown on the right and electronics racks for vacuum, diagnostics, sample motion and the control system in the back right.
Tailored to your needs
To make sure our customers can make the most of this new instrument, we offer extensive flexibility for customization, including:
- sample environments (solid, liquid, or gas)
- detector options (EMCCD or hybrid pixel)
- diagnostic configurations
Configuration example
3D model of the 2.5 cell RF-Photo gun used as the ultra-short bunch electron source.
Phase space plots showing the evolution of the electron bunch after leaving the gun (z=0.2m), at the pinhole (z=0.57m) and at the sample (z=1.15m).
Electron beam diameter x vs. propagation distance z for our 2.5 cell gun at three different acceleration fields (57 / 80 / 120 MV/m) and in comparison to the SLAC MeV-UED gun.
The urgent need?
Quantitative information on nano, energy, and quantum materials at the atomic scale in space and time. A complement or alternative to XFELs, which are too expensive and difficult to access.
Our Approach
Electron diffraction using MeV beams. RI offers MeV Ultrafast Electron Diffraction as a commercial instrument. Laser pump, electron probe, RF accelerators at approximately 1–5 MeV.
Your Benefit
Atomic resolution (MeV → access to high Bragg peaks).
Ultrafast time scales (<100 fs).
Broad sample compatibility: solids (including cryo), liquids, and gases.
Academic expertise bundled into a single commercial turn‑key instrument.
Cost/Competition?
Goal: “Half the cost of a synchrotron beamline” — approximately 5 M€. Requires radiation shielding, AC, and clean‑lab space.
XFEL: few B€.
TEM: ns resolution, ultrathin samples only.
Home‑built systems: too complex.
The name
Why RI-Bornite?
RI Research Instruments GmbH is based in Bergisch Gladbach, an area where metal ore has been mined at least since the days of the Romans. And this is no coincidence. Rl's expertise in processing unusual metals and manufacturing innovative, state-of-the-art equipment builds on a long history. We are able to do this because we stand on the shoulders of people who have been doing this in our area (Bergisches Land) for over 2,000 years.
With the name "RI-Bornite" we pay tribute to these people and their expertise. Bornite (Cu5FeS4, also known as 'peacock ore') is a copper ore that was first described in 1725. In 1845, it was named after the mineralogist Ignaz von Born. He was an expert in mineralogy and metallurgy and had a big impact on the systematic study of minerals, the high-tech materials of his time.
RI’s upcoming instruments will each be named after another mineral. Stay tuned to discover the story behind each name and the instrument it represents.
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If you have any questions about our products or need tailored support, please feel free to reach out — we're here to assist you.
