From May 9 to May 15, 2023, the first experiment with the new DiPOLE laser took place at the European XFEL. This laser allows shock compression of matter up to pressures of several million atmospheres, comparable to the interior of planets or conditions during meteorite impacts. The special feature of DiPOLE is its repetition rate, which allows up to 1000 times more experiments than previously possible at comparable facilities.

A large international collaboration, including some representatives of our research group, came to record the first data. The results are extremely promising and underline the world-leading status of the new facility. And this is just the beginning: in October, our group will lead an independent experiment. Exciting times are ahead!