The IKP-4 holds a wide range of expertise in the field of particle accerlators. This expertise is split up into two main areas: Accelerator Operation and Accelerator Development.

Major areas of work for operation and advancement of a synchrotron are: electric magnets and electrostatic deflectors, power supplies, precision geodetics, vacuum chamber, ultra low temperature components, high frequency in the kHz and GHz spectrum, cooling water supply, computer based maschine control, operation safety.

The operation covers preparation of COSY for users, supervison of beam times (usually for multiple consectutive weeks), regular maintenance and repair in case of defects.

In the field of accelerator development we are developing new analysis methods, optimise control systems, design new beam diagnostics and beam forming methods. In addition we are working on some special aspects of particle accelerators like beam cooling and polarisation.