Re-Inventing Quantum Light Sources
LICOS Munich
LICOS develops brilliant next-generation X-ray and gamma quantum light sources for research and industrial applications.
Compact. Brilliant. Scalable.
LICOS Munich GmbH develops the next generation of compact yet brilliant X-ray and gamma quantum light sources — bridging the gap between traditional X-ray tubes and large-scale synchrotron research facilities.
Our mission is to make brilliant, tunable X-ray and gamma quantum light sources accessible to science, industry, and healthcare.
Born out of more than 15 years of research at the interface of X-ray and laser quantum physics, LiCoS combines world-leading expertise in inverse Compton scattering, high power laser cavities, and quantitative physics modelling and design.
LiCoS brings brilliant X-ray & gamma quantum light sources to the lab and factory floor.
The Principle
At the heart of LICOS lies the quantum interaction of electrons and photons.
High-energy electrons collide with high-power laser photons, producing highly brilliant, monochromatic X-ray and gamma quantum beams.
This single quantum interaction is also called Inverse Compton Scattering (ICS) — and enables synchrotron-like performance in a tabletop format.
Key Features
Compact footprint, yet extremely high brilliance.
Tunable photon energy — from soft X-rays to gamma range.
Scalable for integration with laser and electron accelerator systems Energy-efficient operation through re-use of laser pulses in an optical cavity.
Cost-effective performance enabled by cavity enhancement of laser pulses.
Applications
LICOS technology opens new horizons across science, industry, and medicine wherever compact, highly brilliant X-ray or gamma-ray sources are required.
Key application areas include nuclear physics research facilities, laser fusion target characterisation, and next-generation medical therapy. In addition, LICOS enables nanometre-scale advanced chip inspection applications.