Hannover Center for Microgravity Research

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456042287

The aim of the project is the establishment of a Hannover Center for Microgravity Research. As part of the new research building HITec, the Einstein-Elevator is a worldwide unique research infrastructure. It will enable national and international scientists to conduct experiments under microgravity conditions with a high repetition rate. Thus, measurements beyond gravity can be performed, new processes can be developed or new materials can be researched. The applications range from basic research in physics to applied research in engineering. The aim is to establish a professional and science adequate management of the instrument center. This includes the establishment of a management structure for the handling of experiments in the Einstein-Elevator. In addition to the development of a suitable utilization concept, the creation of a transparent structure to provide access for internal and external users is also part of the project. Due to the novelty of the research environment and its infrastructure, public relations work is also part of the initial tasks. Now that the Einstein-Elevator has been completed and the first tests have been carried out, the implementation of the work should begin soon. The long-term goal is to establish this research infrastructure and to make it self-sustaining through the basic funding of LUH and the cost contributions of the experimenters.

• DFG Programme: Core Facilities
• Major Instrumentation: 2 Trägerstrukturen ; High-Speed-Wärmebildkamera
• Instrumentation Group: 8620 Strahlungsthermometer, Pyrometer, Thermosonden ; 9420 Leitern, Gerüste, Gestelle, Montagevorrichtungen
• Applicant Institution: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
• Leader: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ludger Overmeyer
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Ernst Maria Rasel