Science Laboratories

STAR is a complex research infrastructure centered on a newly designed X-ray source, unique in Europe in terms of energy range and advanced characteristics of the emitted X-ray photons. The X-rays are generated in the STAR-Lab and then transported along two beamlines—one for high energy and one for low energy—leading to two experimental stations: μTomo for microtomographic investigations and SoftX for X-ray microscopy.

The X-rays produced by STAR enable non-destructive analysis of both "hard" materials (such as those used in the mechanical and electronics industries) and biological matter (including ex-vivo organs or human and animal tissues), with spatial resolution reaching sub-micrometric levels. The system accommodates samples ranging in size from a few millimeters to several tens of centimeters.

The STAR platform is complemented by a set of multidisciplinary laboratories for the characterization and advanced analysis of solid, liquid, and biological samples, as well as for the prototyping and testing of industrial instruments. These include: Material Characterization Laboratory (LCM); Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization Laboratory (LMSV); Biological Sample Preparation Laboratory (LPCB); Physical Prototyping Laboratory (LPF); Material Preparation Laboratory (LPM); Advanced Spectroscopy and Microscopy Laboratory (LSAM).