Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)

Stories

Chernobyl fuel particles remain stable 40 years after disaster

As of October 2026: Co-conducted the study with Leibniz University Hannover

Four decades after Chernobyl's reactor exploded, some radioactive fuel fragments it scattered still hold their original crystal structure. Researchers at Leibniz University Hannover and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) found the particles are chemically more stable than expected, trapping fission products instead of leaking them into soil and water.

Updated Oct 10

Scientists build first all-optical photonic time crystal

New Capabilities

As of August 2026: Provided the terahertz source and co-authored the study

For decades, engineers shaped light by building patterns into space: layered mirrors, etched crystals, fiber cores. A team from France and Germany just did it in time instead. They flipped a material's optical properties on and off billions of times faster than any electronic switch.

Updated Aug 1